Decades of poorly planned development, compounded by accelerating climate change, have degraded B.C.’s watersheds and exposed communities to serious risks: water scarcity, catastrophic flooding, heavy economic costs, and extensive habitat loss. More than two-thirds of British Columbians now worry their community will face a major water crisis within the next few years.

Strong and healthy watersheds are the backbone of our economy and the places we call home. They support local jobs, reliable water for industry and agriculture, thriving salmon populations, and safe, resilient communities. We urgently need to invest in the people and solutions that will rebuild our natural defences, monitor our rivers, lakes and streams, and strengthen our governance systems so that decisions are being made by those who know their watersheds the best.