Volume 3 - Program & Project Ideas (PDF - 4.5 - Natural Life Network

Natural Resources Canada – Community Energy Systems
W.2.3 Water conservation
See healthy housing in the land use section; and green housing and advanced houses in
the buildings section.
- Case study: Okotoks, AB
The Sustainable Okotoks plan, adopted in 1998, is based on the watershed limits of the
Sheep River. The project is governed by the many strategies including: capping growth
and urban boundaries at the carrying capacity (25,000 people); living within the natural
carrying capacity of potable (drinkable) water drawn from the Sheep River watershed;
creating an infrastructure that supports the carrying capacity, including building an
underground infrastructure (for water, sewers and storm sewers) that meets demand;
modifying urban design by implementing mixed land-use neighbourhoods, increasing
employment opportunities within neighbourhoods, creating home-based businesses and
expanding the network of off-street pedestrian pathways; incorporating eco-efficiency
measures such as recycling, water conservation, architectural regulations and urban forest
policies for urban renewal and expansion; and implementing a Sheep River watershed
management plan, regional plan and transportation plan.
• Water consumption was reduced by 1 per cent within the first year (1999 to
2000) of the Water and Waste Education Program; a further reduction of 30
per cent is expected over 15 years.
• Landfill tonnage was reduced by 2 per cent by 2000; a further reduction of 35
per cent is expected over 15-20 years.
• Recycling tonnage increased by 400 per cent between 1992 and 2000,
reducing the impact on landfills.
• Pesticide and herbicide use on public lands was reduced by 85 per cent.
The project won an FCM-CMH2 Hill Sustainable Communities Award.
Source: FCM. Undated.
http://www.fcm.ca/scep/case_studies/land_use/okotoks_landuse_sum.htm. For additional
information, Chris Fields, Community Development Officer, P.O. Box 220, Okotoks, Alberta, T0L
1T0. Tel.: (403) 938-4404, E-mail: fieldsc@fclc.com http://www.town.okotoks.ab.ca/
- Case study: Sunshine Coast Regional District, BC
The Sunshine Coast Regional District implemented a 10-year master plan including a
water conservation program and a grey water reuse to strengthen and to extend the
District’s water supply.
Source: This case study will be highlighted in a document to be issued by the Federation of
Canadian Municipalities. For information, contact the office at 24 Clarence Street, Ottawa,
Ontario K1N 5P3, Tel.: (613) 241-5221 ext. 245, fax: (613) 241-7440
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