Feedback on Watershed Security Strategy and Fund Discussion Paper

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Preserving and protecting over 450 islands and surrounding waters in the Salish Sea 
Bowen  Denman  Hornby  Gabriola  Galiano Gambier  Lasqueti  Mayne  North Pender  Salt Spring  Saturna  South Pender  Thetis 
 
 
 
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March 18, 2022        File No.: 11-5420-30 
 
Via email: livingwatersmart@gov.bc.ca  
 
Water Protection and Sustainability Branch  
Ministry of Environment and Climate Change Strategy  
PO Box 9362 STN PROV GOVT 
Victoria B.C. V8W 9M2 
 
To Whom It May Concern: 
 
Re:  Feedback on Watershed Security Strategy and Fund Discussion Paper 
 
On behalf of Islands Trust Council, I am writing to provide feedback on the the Watershed Security 
Strategy and Fund Discussion Paper. 
 
To ensure that the freshwater partnership between the Province and Islands Trust is strengthened, we 
request that the Province consider early collaboration with Trust Council and Islands Trust staff in the 
development of the strategy to facilitate harmonization with the Islands Trust Freshwater Sustainability 
Strategy.  
 
This letter provides general support for the Watershed Security Strategy and Fund. All of the outcomes of the 
Watershed Security Strategy and Fund discussion paper have relevance to the Islands Trust Object.  While 
addressing watershed resilience and freshwater sustainability is a top priority of the Islands Trust, it will 
require us to go above and beyond our day-to-day business. We will need coordinated efforts and funding to 
help us effectively gather and update data, undertake risk and vulnerability assessments and integrate 
adaptation strategies into our policies and regulations.  
In relation to outcome five [Integrate water more efficiently and effectively into land use planning], 
preserving healthy and diverse communities require an equitable distribution of water resources; therefore, 
we recommend identification of opportunities to work with Islands Trust to develop land use planning tools 
that ensure equitable human use of water resources.  
The Islands Trust Area is a mosaic of public and private ownership with legislation and regulations from all 
levels of government including First Nations, regional governments, provincial ministries, and federal 
jurisdiction that all have contributing roles to watershed health. Treaties and agreements with First Nations, 
land-use plans, and other legal commitments in watersheds of the Islands Trust, all require harmonization 
strategies to mitigate the climate emergency and honour the Islands Trust’s Reconciliation Action Plan.    
Watersheds of the Islands Trust Area are unique amenities that intricately supports Indigenous and 
non-Indigenous communities. With respect to the natural environment, we are deeply concerned about 
inc

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