What is this engagement about?
The Province of British Columbia is inviting feedback on an Intentions Paper for the Watershed Security Strategy and Fund. The Intentions Paper is the mid-way point in the development of the Strategy and Fund and builds on what was heard during the first period of engagement in early 2022.
The purpose of the Strategy and Fund is to lead the changes needed to create a future for B.C. where our watersheds are better cared for and stewarded together.
Timeline: March 6, 2023 to April 17, 2023
Watershed Security
How to participate
We welcome you to provide feedback through our online questionnaire or by written submission. Please review the Intentions Paper before you participate.
Intentions paper
Watershed Security Strategy and Fund Survey
March 6, 2023 to April 17, 2023 at 4:00 p.m.
Provide feedback on the Watershed Security Strategy and Fund Intentions Paper by completing this online survey. Your feedback will help inform the Watershed Security Strategy and Fund.
Written submissions
March 6, 2023 to April 17, 2023 at 4:00 p.m.
Share your thoughts on the WSS Intentions Paper. Feedback received by this date will be included in the next “What We Heard Report”. We welcome submissions after this deadline, but please note that they will not be part of the “What We Heard Report”.
What We Heard about the Discussion Paper
Government has prepared a What We Heard Report that summarizes the feedback on the Watershed Security Strategy and Fund Discussion Paper from public engagement.
This What We Heard Report summarizes key themes captured during the engagement process between January 25 and March 18, 2022. Over 1,500 submissions were received from across the province from individual citizens, members of environmental organizations, representatives from other levels of government, business and industry including forestry, agriculture, mining and energy, partnership organizations, water suppliers, academia, professional organizations and health care fields.
A separate report is being prepared to summarize feedback received through webinars and meetings with Indigenous peoples.
Next Steps
The Ministry of Water, Land and Resource Stewardship will use your feedback from this period of engagement to inform the development of a final Watershed Security Strategy and Fund for B.C.
All comments received on the Intentions Paper and the survey by 4:00 p.m. (PST) on April 17, 2023, will be compiled for review and included in a “What We Heard Report” that will be posted in summer 2023. We welcome more input after this deadline but please note that it will not be part of the “What We Heard Report”.
The Watershed Security Strategy will be launched in Winter 2023/24.
Public engagement on the Discussion Paper
Winter 2021 to 2022
January 25 to March 18, 2022
Develop strategy options based on feedback from engagement
Spring and Summer 2022
Public engagement on Intentions Paper
Winter 2022 to 2023
March 6 to April 17, 2023
Collaborate with Indigenous Peoples on the Watershed Security Strategy
Spring and Summer 2023
Launch of the Watershed Security Strategy and Fund
Winter 2023/24
Implement the Watershed Security Strategy and Fund
Winter 2024 to 2044