Limits To Growth Policy

Overview

In response to the Water Master Plan received early in 2024, the District of Tofino Council has directed staff to prepare a Limits to Growth Policy. This policy aims to tackle the issues outlined in the Water Master Plan, specifically focusing on the challenge of ensuring a sufficient water supply during the summer months. This challenge arises from the increased demand on the water system due to tourism and the usual drier weather conditions during the summer months.

Key Points from the Water Master Plan

• Water Demand: The Water Master Plan considers water demand from two perspectives: Maximum Day Demand (MDD) based on the day with the largest demand for water within a certain timeframe (Q3), and Average Day Demand (ADD) based on the average daily use within a certain time frame. The current MDD is 2873 m3, and the current ADD is 1827 m3.
• Raw Water Capacity: The District’s raw water capacity is based on the average low flow volume (Q3) of the five source water creeks. The current (2023) raw water capacity is 2160 m3/day, with the forecasted 2033 raw water capacity being 1874 m3/day.
• Available Supply (2023): Depending on what metric is used to determine water demand, the District either faces a projected daily shortfall of approximately 713 m3/day (Q3 MDD) or a surplus of 333 m3/day (Q3 ADD).
• Projected Supply (2033): The Water Master Plan assumes growth within the community, and under that scenario in 2033, the District will face a projected daily shortfall between 255 m3/day (ADD) and 1474 m3/day (MDD).
• Limits to Growth: Implementing a Limits to Growth Policy will impact growth projections and seek to reduce potential water supply shortfalls. If ADD is the determinant, there may be potential to permit a certain level of continued growth with minimal risk to the overall system; if MDD is used as the determinant, then no additional growth should be considered. Council is currently considering all options.

  
  

Purpose of the Limits to Growth Policy

The Limits to Growth Policy aims to manage and guide development in Tofino over the next 5-10 years while the District evaluates and obtains an additional water source. The process for obtaining an additional water source will be guided by the Alternative Water Source Feasibility Study, which is expected to be released in late 2024. In the meantime, the Limits to Growth Policy will guide the District in:

1. Balancing Development and Risk: Determining how much additional water consumption from development can be allowed, considering both development needs (such as housing) and community risks (including economic impacts and fire safety).
2. Prioritizing Water Use: Allocating water consumption based on development priorities outlined in key planning documents like the Official Community Plan (OCP) and the Affordable Housing Needs Assessment (AHNA).
3. Evaluating Development Applications: Assessing potential development projects against the goals and conditions set forth in the Limits to Growth Policy.
4. Tracking Water Allocation: Monitoring water use across various stages of development, including rezonings, subdivisions, Development Permits, Building Permits, and Occupancy Permits.

Implications for Residents and Developers

• Controlled Growth: The policy will help control the pace and type of development in Tofino to ensure sustainable water use.
• Transparent Allocation: Clear criteria and tracking systems will be established to allocate water resources fairly and efficiently.