Water Environment Strategy
The City of Ottawa is developing a Water Environment Strategy (WES) to guide the protection and enhancement of water resources in Ottawa. The need to for a comprehensive planning and implementation framework was identified in the2003 Environmental Strategy, with funding approved for its development under the Ottawa River Action Plan (ORAP) in 2010.
The Benefits of Having a Water Environment Strategy
The Water Environment Strategy will benefit the community in the several ways. It will:
- Identify the full range of water environment issues that exist within the City’s boundaries such as the protection of aquatic habitats, protection of the city’s water sources, and the protection of recreational beaches;
- Clarify roles and responsibilities amongst the various jurisdictions and parties responsible for water environment protection.
- Set short, mid, and long-term goals and objectives for improving delivery of water environment programs and services, including examination of city operating practices.
- Establish measurable and achievable targets by which to measure service delivery and environmental protection.
- Secure funding commitments to meet those targets.
- Institute a monitoring and reporting framework to ensure the timely communication of results to Council and the public.
Strategy Development
Development of the strategy will take place over 2010-2011. It will build upon a number of existing water protection policies, including the City’s Groundwater Management Strategy, Official Plan, Infrastructure Master Plan, as well as the Ottawa River Action Plan and the Rideau Valley Conservation Authority’s Lower Rideau Watershed Strategy. In developing the strategy consideration will be given to the various on-going works of other stakeholders across the city. The focus of this initiative will be on putting policy into action—not creating more policy.
Outreach Activities
A key first step in this project is to raise awareness about water environment issues, and how we interact with the water environment every day. A travelling information booth will be used across the city to illustrate our dependence on the water environment, and the role that each of us has in its protection. Additional outreach and consultation activities will be planned as the study progresses.
Have a Question or Comment?
Please email us at WES@ottawa.ca