B.C. announces $100 million watershed investment

The B.C. government and First Nations Water Table (BCFNWT) says $100 million will be invested in healthy watersheds and security strategies.

This investment aims to ensure safe, clean water will be available in B.C. communities for the foreseeable future.

The unveiled plan includes a few actions that could be used to improve the province’s watershed health, with water data and tools to monitor the state of demand and supply being first and foremost.

B.C’s Minister of Water, Land, and Resource Stewardship, Nathan Cullen, says there has not been enough done to protect the “lifeblood of the province.”

“This $100-million investment and our ongoing work with First Nations on co-developing a watershed security strategy will inspire philanthropists and other partners to help grow the fund and ensure we have healthy ecosystems and communities today and for our children’s children,” he said.

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This fund builds on a $30 million investment from the province in 2022 as part of a commitment to the Watershed Security Fund, and a $27 million investment into the Healthy Watersheds Initiative.

Representatives from the BCFNWT say this decision shows the provincial government’s commitment to key environmental areas.

“Co-developing the watershed security strategy and fund with First Nations, supported by the First Nations Fisheries Council of BC, signals an important shift. This brings the opportunity for watershed governance that values, honours and upholds the natural world we all mutually rely on,” said Cowichan Chief Lydia Hwitsum.

“As watersheds in B.C. come under increasing pressures due to climate change, collaboration with First Nations is essential. A commitment to co-develop the watershed security strategy and fund ensures First Nations in B.C. have a meaningful place at the table and exemplifies efforts to implement the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act,” added Hugh Braker, a delegate with the BCFNWT.

As part of the announcement, the BCFNWT will be co-managing the province’s watershed security strategy and the Watershed Security Fund moving forward.