Whereas recent legislation supporting watershed governance, and the 2024 NDP-Green Party Accord recognize the importance of local knowledge around water management; And whereas well established multi-interest watershed health organizations are working throughout BC to restore watershed ecosystems from past excessive resource exploitation, and future proof them to adapt to climate impacts: Therefore be it resolved that UBCM request the provincial government share a portion of natural resource royalty income to provide financial support to local watershed governance organizations.
Ministry of Water, Land and Resource Stewardship Thank you for your resolution requesting the Province share a portion of natural resource royalty income to provide financial support towards local watershed governance. The Watershed Security Fund WSF was established with a 100 million provincial investment and generates 5-7 million annually in grants. It supports projects advancing reconciliation, ecosystem health, and local governance and fosters collaboration among First Nations, local governments, Non-Governmental Organizations, and community groups. Local governments are encouraged to leverage this funding to strengthen watershed governance in their region. The WSF is co-developed and co-managed by Real Estate Foundation of BC REFBC and the First Nations Water Caucus Water Caucus with First Nations Fisheries Council FNFC. The third round of grant applications closed in fall 2025, with funded projects to be announced in spring 2026. Alongside our partners, the Province is currently exploring ways to grow the Fund to meet the scale of water challenges in British Columbia. The Province is exploring collaborative watershed governance models to strengthen local leadership, advance reconciliation, and improve water management in line with watershed security needs. Building this approach will require capacity and support for local governments to play an active role. Work underway includes exploring early concepts for sustainable funding mechanisms. The Province is also developing options to update water rental rates charged under the Water Sustainability Act WSA. The timeline for decision and possible implementation is under consideration at the time. Key considerations guiding developing a balanced approach to setting provincial water rental rates include encouraging water conservation through water pricing, ensuring water remains accessible and affordable to all citizens, assessing impacts of rental changes on BCs business competitiveness and minimizing impacts to the affordability of living in BC.