Limits To Growth Policy

At the February 24, 2026, Regular Council meeting, Council voted to repeal the Limits to Growth (LTG) Policy. The decision reflects a shift from a short-term governance tool to established operational practices that now guide water system management.

The LTG Policy was created after the 2023 drought and the 2024 Water Master Plan, at a time when Council needed a framework to guide the reduction of risk to the water system while still allowing responsible growth. Over the past two years, improvements in data, system oversight, procedures, and water system management have strengthened the District’s ability to manage seasonal pressures on the system.

Repealing the policy does not increase development capacity or reduce protections for the community’s water supply. The District continues to manage water risk using established bylaws, operational procedures, and technical review processes. Responsible, risk-based oversight continues exactly as before.

BACKGROUND

Tofino’s water is collected with gratitude from the rainforests protected by Tla-o-qui-aht Tribal Parks on Meares Island. The District receives water from four rainfed creeks on the island through two connected systems, including the Ahkmahksis Reservoir, which stores most of the community’s water.

The LTG Policy was adopted in December 2024 in consideration of information from the Water Master Plan (WMP) received earlier in the year. The WMP showed that Tofino’s water source experiences sustained pressure during the dry summer months, when demand can exceed natural creek flow, often prompting community-wide water conservation efforts.

The LTG Policy allowed the District to pause, assess, and strategically advance short‑ and long‑term actions to mitigate risk to the water system.

WHY THE LTG POLICY WAS REPEALED

Council repealed the policy as the District now manages water risk through improved operational systems, stronger data, and established procedures that were not fully in place when the policy was adopted. The repeal reflects a transition into regular operational management, not a change in water availability.

The long‑term water challenges identified in the Water Master Plan remain. Repealing the policy simplifies administrative processes without reducing oversight.

WHAT THIS MEANS FOR DEVELOPMENT

All development proposals must continue to follow established legislative and technical processes. Staff will review applications based on water system capacity and water system risk.

The Water Allocation Certificate system remains active to track requirements for new development. The queue system continues to ensure fairness, with staff and Council releasing allocations only as additional water becomes available through conservation gains or system improvements.

PROTECTING WATER FOR THE COMMUNITY

Repealing the LTG Policy does not change the District’s commitment to safeguarding Tofino’s water supply. Staff continue to:

• Track system demand
• Assess the impact of new or expanded water connections
• Monitor summer weather and potential drought conditions
• Report on water supply and conservation outcomes every six months

LOOKING AHEAD

Council continues to prioritize the analysis of new and expanded water source options. At the February 24, 2026, meeting, Council approved a shortlist of potential future sources for further technical review. Any long‑term solution will require time due to financial, jurisdictional, and construction considerations.

The District will continue to provide transparent, regular updates on water supply, conservation, and system performance.

For more frequently asked questions, please refer to the FAQ section on this page.