Land-Use Framework and the North Saskatchewan Regional Plan

Transcription

1 Land-Use Framework and the North Saskatchewan Regional Plan North Saskatchewan Watershed Alliance The Future of Our Water Supply Alberta Environment and Parks October 4, 2016

2 Overview Land-Use Framework Regional Planning North Saskatchewan Regional Plan Water Quantity Planning Photo Credit: Derald Lobay, Images Alberta Camera Club

3 Cumulative effects management Land-use Framework Three core outcomes Healthy economy Healthy ecosystems and environment People-friendly communities Legally enforceable Alberta Land Stewardship Act Considers all cumulative effects Management at a regional level

4 It s about smart growth The purpose of the Land-use Framework is to manage growth, not stop it, and to sustain our growing economy, but balance this with Albertans social and environmental goals. This is what the Land-use Framework is about smart growth. Photo Credit: Bruce T. Smith, Images Alberta Camera Club

5 Balanced approach to planning

6 Regional approach to planning Lower Peace Regional Plan Upper Peace Regional Plan Upper Athabasca Regional Plan South Saskatchewan Regional Plan Effective September 2014 Lower Athabasca Regional Plan Effective September 2012 North Saskatchewan Regional Plan Development initiated; Targeted for completion in 2017 Red Deer Regional Plan

7 Diverse and complex region

8 Where we are right now AEP coordinates development of management frameworks Environmental Management Frameworks

9 Photo credit: Bill Trout, Images Alberta Camera Club Land Use Priority Areas Continued economic growth Managing air quality Conserving and maintaining biodiversity Stewardship and conservation on private lands; Supporting growing communities Rights of aboriginal peoples Recreation and tourism opportunities Watershed management

10 Watershed Management The regional plan will likely provide direction on: Surface water quality management framework Wetland management Lake management Groundwater management (Capital Region) Crown land management (including conservation areas, subregional plans) Watershed and supporting biodiversity Headwaters management Municipal planning and water management

11 Existing Policies and Approaches National Prairie Provinces Water Board (PPWB) Master Agreement on Apportionment Provincial Land-use Framework Water for Life Regional North Saskatchewan Regional Plan Subregional and Local Integrated Watershed Management Plan for the NSR Water Management Framework for IH-CR

12 Diverse and complex region

13 How much water can we take out of a river or a lake? Low Moderate Serious Extreme Withdrawals Photo credit: Bow Riverkeeper Photo credit: Lorne Fitch

14 DRAFT Surface Water Allocation Directive Provide guidance on water diversions to minimize impact to the aquatic ecosystem Rulesets for river/stream and lake/wetland water allocation ** Strive for natural hydrologic variability **

15 Where and when is it applied? Backstops allocations PRIOR to any planning processes Maintain natural flow variability to protect aquatic ecosystems Science-based guidance for Water Act diversion licences Not suitable on regulated rivers

16 Surface Water Quantity Management Framework Creates an ongoing management system that directs response/action in order to proactively manage the risk of cumulative effects Extends management action responsibilities to all contributing parties (regulated and nonregulated) Photo: financialpost.com

17 Cabinet Approved Water Management Plan Establishes water allocation transfers and conservation holdbacks Redistributes right to allow for efficiency gains Establishes matters and factors that must be considered in Water Act decisions Photo: thinkstock

18 Water Management Plan Provide guidance for water management decisions May include regulatory guidance Establishes matters and factors that may be considered in Water Act decisions Photo credit: Roger Kirchen, Images Alberta Camera Club

19 Watershed Management Plan Collaborative planning providing recommendations to government and nongovernment organizations Requires commitment to action by participating parties Can allow space for community-driven solutions Photo credit: Quincy Deters, Images Alberta Camera Club

20 North Saskatchewan River Needs Allocation Directive (headwater tributaries) Surface Water Quantity Management Framework Water Management Plan Cabinet Approved Water Management Plan Further support watershed management and work of NSWA Other

21 NSRP Contacts Chad Willms, Central Planning Lead Laura Polasek, Regional Planner Central Lisa Neame, Water Management Planner

22 Thank You! Discussion and Comments? Photo Credit: Clayton Reitzel, Images Alberta Camera Club