Public requested to help determine priority areas for water uses
Published on November 24, 2011
In order to ensure that a balance between social, economic and environmental usage of the South Saskatchewan River sub-basin (SSR) exists, the South East Alberta Watershed Alliance (SEAWA) is creating an Integrated Watershed Management Plan (IWMP). Online surveys and public stakeholder meetings are being used as tools to encourage community feedback.
“Water is not plentiful in southeast Alberta and priority areas need to be determined. These meetings are an opportunity for the public to stress what areas are priorities; may that be irrigation, conservation or water-based recreation,” said Tracy Heebner, associate director for the Economic Development Alliance (EDA) of Southeast Alberta. It is important for the public to recognize the value of water and ensure that the right strategies and policies are put into place to aid in long-term planning.”
According to Changing Currents, Water Sustainability and the Future of Canada's Natural Resource Sectors, a report by the National Round Table on the Environment and the Economy (NRT), the natural resource sector alone is expected to grow by as much as 50 to 60 percent by 2030. As the most significant users of water these sector's growth may put increased pressure on Canada's resources. However as a vital part of the Canadian economy it is important that the challenges are addressed now so that industry can grow and water resources can be strategically allocated.
The questions being asked in SEAWA’s public consultation phase are in place to help identify the top issues facing the SSR watershed today as well as in the future.
The EDA sees value in both public as well as industry participation.
“It’s important that both the public and industry has fair representation in the survey results as well as stakeholder meetings. Anyone that uses water should be participating to ensure that the IWMP is a collaborative effort, therefore resulting in more effective water governance,” said Heebner.
SEAWA is the regional Alberta Watershed Planning & Advisory Council (WPAC); an organization that provides direction to provincial decision makers while being dedicated to preserving the SSR Sub-basin. Their objective is to improve water quality and quantity to support the region’s long-term economic, social and environmental goals. SEAWA was tasked under the provincial Water for Life strategy with completing a State of the Watershed for the SSR Watershed as well as developing an IWMP.
The IWMP is being developed cooperatively by stakeholders including: municipal governments, watershed residents, industry and the general public. SEAWA’s membership is free for 2011 and is open to individuals and organizations in areas such as: land resource, municipal government, eco-tourism and environment, and sole public members.
The EDA encourages the public to get involved and share their perspective about what they would like their future watershed to look like. Attend the next IWMP meeting by contacting SEAWA at 403-488-8110 or fill in the online survey.