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Share Limits To Growth Policy on FacebookShare Limits To Growth Policy on TwitterShare Limits To Growth Policy on LinkedinEmail Limits To Growth Policy link
On December 10, 2024, the District of Tofino Council adopted the Limits to Growth Policy, which is now in effect.
The policy is a measure from Council to assume a level of risk in order to prioritize the development of residential housing and developments from Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation.
The policy defines an upper limit on the allowable increase in water demand from the existing raw water supply. It establishes a framework for tracking new water usage and prioritizes specific types of development. By providing clear guidance and structure for development decisions, the policy ensures a predictable, consistent, and transparent approach to water resource management until an alternative water source is in place.
Background Tofino’s water is collected with gratitude from the rainforests protected by Tla-o-qui-aht Tribal Parks in the Hahuulthii of the Tla-o-qui-aht Ha'wiih (chiefs). The community's water is drawn from five creeks on Meares Island, operating as a flow-through system.
In early 2024, the District received the Water Master Plan (WMP), which identified a deficit in Tofino's current raw water supply during the busy and dry months. A water deficit occurs when the community's Maximum Day Demand (MDD) exceeds the flow rate from the source creeks on Meares Island. Projections indicate that climate change, coupled with population growth, will heighten this supply shortfall, potentially leading to more days of heightened water restrictions in summer, impacting residents and visitors.
Based on recommendations from the WMP, the District is actively seeking to secure an alternative water source and additional treatment capacity by 2043. Until a secure alternative water source is established, interim measures are required to mitigate community impacts, which includes the Limits to Growth Policy.
Key Policy Information
All new developments must obtain a Water Allocation Certificate (WAC) before receiving a Building Permit. Allocated water supply will be tracked and deducted from the remaining raw water capacity.
The policy defines eligible and ineligible uses for water allocation.
Allocation of the remaining raw water supply will be managed on a first-come, first-served basis.
On December 10, 2024, the District of Tofino Council adopted the Limits to Growth Policy, which is now in effect.
The policy is a measure from Council to assume a level of risk in order to prioritize the development of residential housing and developments from Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation.
The policy defines an upper limit on the allowable increase in water demand from the existing raw water supply. It establishes a framework for tracking new water usage and prioritizes specific types of development. By providing clear guidance and structure for development decisions, the policy ensures a predictable, consistent, and transparent approach to water resource management until an alternative water source is in place.
Background Tofino’s water is collected with gratitude from the rainforests protected by Tla-o-qui-aht Tribal Parks in the Hahuulthii of the Tla-o-qui-aht Ha'wiih (chiefs). The community's water is drawn from five creeks on Meares Island, operating as a flow-through system.
In early 2024, the District received the Water Master Plan (WMP), which identified a deficit in Tofino's current raw water supply during the busy and dry months. A water deficit occurs when the community's Maximum Day Demand (MDD) exceeds the flow rate from the source creeks on Meares Island. Projections indicate that climate change, coupled with population growth, will heighten this supply shortfall, potentially leading to more days of heightened water restrictions in summer, impacting residents and visitors.
Based on recommendations from the WMP, the District is actively seeking to secure an alternative water source and additional treatment capacity by 2043. Until a secure alternative water source is established, interim measures are required to mitigate community impacts, which includes the Limits to Growth Policy.
Key Policy Information
All new developments must obtain a Water Allocation Certificate (WAC) before receiving a Building Permit. Allocated water supply will be tracked and deducted from the remaining raw water capacity.
The policy defines eligible and ineligible uses for water allocation.
Allocation of the remaining raw water supply will be managed on a first-come, first-served basis.
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Report begins at approximately the 15-minute mark.
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The presentation begins at approximately the 1 hour & 30 minute mark.
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The report begins at approximately the 34-minute mark.
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Report to Committee of the Whole - February 26, 2024
Limits To Growth Policy has finished this stage
-Water Master Plan received for information by Council
-Staff authorized by Council to develop Limits to Growth Policy
-Early 2024 budget approval for Alternative Water Source Feasibility Study
Report to Committee of the Whole - May 23, 2024
Limits To Growth Policy has finished this stage
Staff received direction from Council regarding drafting the Limits to Growth Policy.
Report to Council - July 23, 2024
Limits To Growth Policy has finished this stage
Staff presented to and discussed with Council water allocation priorities related to drafting the Limits to Growth Policy.
Draft Limits to Growth Policy
Limits To Growth Policy has finished this stage
Summer/Early Fall 2024
Report to Committee of the Whole - August 26, 2024
Limits To Growth Policy has finished this stage
Staff will introduce four risk scenarios based on the likelihood of drought, existing water storage, consequence, and growth.
Report to Council - October 8, 2024
Limits To Growth Policy has finished this stage
Staff introduced a draft Limits to Growth policy to Council for discussion.
Report to Committee of the Whole - November 18, 2024
Limits To Growth Policy has finished this stage
Staff will present an updated draft Limits to Growth policy plus details of the Alternative Water Source Feasibility Study for discussion & consideration.
Report to Council - December 10, 2024
Limits To Growth Policy has finished this stage
The report presents the final version of the Limits to Growth Policy for adoption by Council. The report provides a brief summary of the process to date and highlights minor revisions made since the November 18, 2024, Committee of the Whole meeting.
Adoption of Limits to Growth Policy
Limits To Growth Policy is currently at this stage
The Limits to Growth Policy was adopted at the December 10, 2024, Regular Council Meeting.