Water for Life Strategy

On January 30, 2008, the Alberta Water Council (AWC) released its report Water for Life: Recommendations for Renewal. The AWC is a multi-stakeholder group tasked by the Minister of Environment with implementing the 2003 Water for Life strategy, and includes an AAMDC representative. ‘Recommendations for Renewal’ is the result of extensive consultation with Albertans to re-energize and re-focus the Water for Life strategy. The renewed Water for Life strategy was ultimately released by the Government of Alberta on November 19, 2008. The AAMDC continues to play an active role on the AWC, as represented by Director Dwight Oliver. In addition, many AAMDC members represent their local and regional issues through participation in Watershed Planning and Advisory Councils (WPACs) and various watershed stewardship groups. The Association has recently joined the Water Conservation, Efficiency and Productivity (CEP) Sector Planning Team. It is likely that all sectors will eventually be required to have water CEP plans. In addition to a recent member bulletin on the topic, members will likely hear more about this as the AAMDC moves forward in developing a rural municipal CEP plan. In addition, Director Bob Jones participates in the AWC’s WATSUP team that deals with issues surrounding Alberta’s water licensing system. Changes to this system are imminent and the AAMDC is actively promoting the interests of rural municipalities.