Wild Lands Advocate The Alberta Wilderness Association Journal February 2004 • Vol.12, No. 1 http://AlbertaWilderness.ca
[email protected] COLD SHOWER FOR NEW WATER STRATEGY By Andy Marshall A former government water specialist has Inc., Morrison worked for 24 years as an Alberta Environment branded the province’s recently released water planner. Water Strategy a “remarkable feat of He also criticizes the strategy document for ignoring underachievement.” Albertans’ desire for a fairer allocation of water rights in drought- Initiated by Environment Minister Lorne plagued southern Alberta where the government says its “first-in- Taylor, the strategy document fails to grapple time, first-in-right” approach, which favours the long-established with the “knotty problems” of water pricing irrigation districts, will be maintained. and enforcement of the province’s water “The government has retreated into procrastination, wishful regulations and offers little real support for protecting Alberta’s thinking and stubborn indifference to the serious and complicated threatened watersheds, says Bob Morrison. Head of his own water problems that Albertans face,” Morrison says in a recent consulting company called Waxwing Synthetics & Resolution commentary on the Water Strategy. Based on over 18 months of consultations and discussions INSIDE throughout Alberta highlighting water quantity and quality Albertans Concerned About Health of Democracy in The Province..5 issues, the strategy outlines measures -- valued at $916 million over the next 10 years -- to achieve three priorities: Mountains As Watertowers, Communities As Water Stewards By Heinz Unger ................................................................................6 •Secure drinking water If You’re Not Outraged, You’re Not A True Optimist •Healthy aquatic systems By Jim Stiles ......................................................................................8 •Reliable water supply to support provincial economic ALBERTA WILDERNESS WATCH....................................................8 development.