Peeling back the Pavement - POLIS Water Sustainability Project

Blueprint principle 3: new governance
an integrated watershed-based approach
first Step
Integrate Water Service Departments
Merge water departments so that drinking water supply, stormwater,
and wastewater are managed as a single system that
mimics the natural water cycle.
Establish a Regional Water Commission, Agency, or Authority
Establish a regional watershed entity with a clear mandate
to address watershed-level issues and decision-making powers
as they relate to land-use decisions that impact water
resources. This body should have broad responsibilities and
be tasked with catalyzing action to deal with water in a comprehensive,
integrated way using best practices in planning
and bylaw approaches. A Regional Water Commission could
ensure consistent action for different types of landscapes
across urban regions or act as a support for municipalities
that do not have the in-house expertise to address the challenges
of integrated rainwater management. An important
starting point for this kind of body is to coordinate the development
of an integrated water management plan for the
region. It could also provide expertise and support to municipalities
implementing the plan by helping to draft—and
enforce—the bylaws, policies, and technical standards necessary
to achieve the targets set out by the plan. In some
jurisdictions, regional governments, such as Conservation
Authorities or Regional Districts, already fulfill some of these
roles. The goal of a Regional Water Commission would be
to formalize coordination between all relevant jurisdictions
and municipalities. To start, such an entity could be funded
through rainwater utility charges.
next steps
Create an Integrated Water Management Plan
Base the rainwater sections of the plan on runoff volume
reduction, water quality, and rate control/detention. Ensure
implementation by incorporating the plan into land-use and
community and regional planning documents.
Legislate Integrated Water Management Plans
Amend the relevant sections of provincial and territorial Environmental
Management Acts to mandate the development of
watershed-based water management plans. Explicitly define
the key content required in such a plan. Link the development
and execution of the integrated water management plan to
eligibility for infrastructure funding or programs.
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