In fall 2018, government released an intentions paper proposing regulations that would continue to allow the use of unrecorded water for mineral exploration and small-scale placer mining activities subject to new provisions to protect the environment. The intentions paper was mailed to all 203 First Nations and posted to the Engage BC website for 6 weeks between October and November. In total, government received 32 responses on the paper, of which 21 were from Indigenous organizations.

Government has now prepared a What We Heard document that summarizes the feedback received, provides additional information about the proposal, and outlines new provisions to protect Indigenous rights and consider water for camp use. Engagement and consultation will continue throughout fall with organizations that provided comment on the intentions paper. A final policy direction is planned before the existing provisions under Section 56 of the Water Sustainability Regulation expire on December 31, 2019.

We invite you to share your thoughts about the What We Heard document by sending an email to livingwatersmart@gov.bc.ca.