After a lengthy process that involved extensive consultation as well as legal advice, the new bylaw that lays out the guidelines for watershed, aquifer and stream protection (WASP) has been adopted at the September 23 council meeting. The municipality's official community plan identifies specific objectives and policies regarding Bowen's freshwater resources and a need for WASP development permit areas had been stated to "preserve, protect, restore, and enhance the natural environment, its ecosystems and biological diversity; protection of water resources for drinking, irrigation, and other approved uses; as well as ecosystem health and riparian area protection."
Councillor Alison Morse drew attention to the fact that this new bylaw replaces an existing one that was part of the old OCP.
Councillor Doug Hooper commented that the bylaw was a good product. Councillor Peter Frinton agreed. He said, "One of the very first things that I recall as a new councillor in the year 2000 was attending a workshop on the streamside protection act. And years later, I attended a presentation by the Islands Trust. I saw the difficulties in having [stream protection] enacted across the province and having the municipalities conform to the [Riparian Areas Regulation]. I think that the advice that we got and the way that this has gone forward, is more than reasonable. So, for those people who feel that these are intrusions on their property rights, think again. [The bylaw has] been adjusted to be very non-intrusive and allow for considerable latitude. So I'm very pleased that we are finally enacting this."
Councillor Nerys Poole noted that the bylaw fulfills the terms of the Riparian Areas Regulation that municipalities are required to comply with. The councillors' support for the bylaw was unanimous.
