Freshwater

Freshwater concerns in HTG territory.

Fresh water on Southeastern Vancouver Island is critical for irrigation, industrial use (including pulp and paper mills and freshwater aquaculture), domestic use, and for ecological function (in-stream habitat for salmon). The provincial government regulates both ground water and surface water through licencing, allocation, and tenures. There are 55 aquifers in Hul'qumi'num territory. According to the Provincial government 27 are moderately developed and 25 are lightly developed. Watershed reserves within HTG core territory cover 74,090ha (21.2%) of the total land area. There are 347 surface water allocations, 2,509 subsurface water work licenses, and 711 licensed springs within HTG core territory. While aboriginal water rights have not been recognized by courts or legislation in Canada, some cooperative agreements made been made between local governments and HTG member First nations with respect to drinking water access. However, protracted legal disputes about the management and allocation of ground water in Chemainus aquifer between Halalt First Nation and the state have also occurred.

For more information on the Hul’qumi’num peoples strategic vision on Freshwater Resources, please see the HTG Strategic Land Use Plan: Chapter 7.11