B.C. Earmarks $100 Million For Watershed Protection

The BC government and the B.C.-First Nations Water Table have announced a $100-million investment in healthy watersheds and the launch of a new co-developed watershed security strategy “intentions paper.”

Convened in June 2022, the B.C.-First Nations Water Table (BCFNWT) is made up of representatives from the Province and delegates from First Nations in B.C.

Its goal is to help ensure safe, clean water is available to communities throughout B.C. for generations.

This announcement formalizes the BCFNWT’s role co-managing the Watershed Security Fund and further co-development of B.C.’s watershed security strategy.

“B.C.’s watersheds are the lifeblood of this province, and for too long, not enough has been done to protect them,” said Nathan Cullen, Minister of Water, Land and Resource Stewardship.

“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.”

The investment is on top of last year's $30-million commitment announced in Budget 2022.

The watershed security strategy intentions paper reflects input received from British Columbians during public engagement in 2022 about development of B.C.'s watershed security strategy.

The intentions paper outlines potential priority strategies for the government, including examples of actions the government could take to improve watershed health, such as strengthening existing water data and the tools used to monitor demand and supply, and enhancing local watershed governance.

For the full release, visit Government of British Columbia.