Legislative Electronic Publications -- Province Announces Proposed Amendments To Water Rights Act

Manitoba Government News Release:
Information Services, Room 29, Legislative Building, Winnipeg, Manitoba R3C 0V8 Telephone: (204)
945-3746 Fax: (204) 945-3988

December 08, 2005

PROVINCE ANNOUNCES PROPOSED AMENDMENTS TO WATER RIGHTS ACT
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Changes Would Improve Enforcement Of Drainage Requirements: Ashton

Water Stewardship Minister Steve Ashton today introduced the Water Rights Amendment Act that would improve enforcement action against illegal and unlicensed drainage actions.

The Water Rights Act allows for the management and control of water withdrawals, land drainage, drought protection through retention, and operational management of private and municipal water-control structures. The act has not been significantly amended since it was first enacted in 1988.

"I would like to commend those landowners who have followed responsible drainage practices," said Ashton. "While most landowners are good stewards of the environment, unfortunately a small number have undertaken unauthorized drainage works to remove excess water from their lands, which can seriously affect the environment and downstream properties. Unplanned drainage can result in increased flooding, erosion, sedimentation, loss of habitat and municipal infrastructure damage.

"Manitoba has experienced a number of extreme precipitation events over the past several years that have caused flooding which has magnified the consequences of illegal practices that alter land drainage and effective water management. These illegal practices not only adversely impact immediate neighbours, but the community at large. These amendments will provide the legislative tools required for improved enforcement and also assist in the reduction of habitat destruction and alteration of provincial drainage works."

The proposed bill would:

expand the authority of Manitoba Water Stewardship staff to enforce the Water Rights Act;
give staff and other authorized people the authority to conduct inspections and searches, and the ability to administer, determine compliance and enforce the act; and
provide designated officers protection from liability while fulfilling their duties.

"We also plan to amend the Offence Notices Regulations under the Summary Convictions Act to provide for ticketing for certain offences under the Water Rights Act, allowing for more efficient and timely enforcement," said Ashton.

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