In 2021, the Lake Major Watershed Advisory Board (Board) was approached about inconsistencies in the Lake Major Watershed Protected Water Area regulations (regulations) specific to the provincially designated Lake Major Watershed Protected Water Area (PWA).
Having reviewed the regulations, the Board agreed with these concerns and formally recommended that Halifax Water request the province consider amendments to the regulations.
As a result of the Board’s recommendation, Halifax Water met with the Department of Environment and Climate Change in early 2022 to discuss the public consultation process.
With support from the Board and the Province, Halifax Water has hosted public engagement sessions to help inform and seek input on potential amendments to these regulations.
Current Status
Halifax Water has taken the comments from the first round of feedback sessions, as well as the Lake Major Watershed Advisory Board (LMWAB) and developed draft changes to the regulations. The final draft of the proposed regulations are now available for review (see below).
Once this public review period has ended, Halifax Water will incorporate feedback from the community and submit the proposed regulations to the Minister of Environment and Climate Change.
Proposed Regulations
The proposed regulations are now available for the final round of public review. Click the link below to view the proposed regulations.
Reminder: The current Lake Major Watershed Protected Water Area Regulations are still in effect and Halifax Water is required to enforce them until the Province approves the new Regulations.
How to Provide Feedback
We welcome any comments or feedback you have at our public engagement sessions or by responding in writing using the form on this webpage by May 5, 2023.
| Location | Date | Time(s) |
|---|---|---|
|
Fairbanks Centre |
April 27, 2023 | 2 PM to 4 PM 7 PM to 9 PM |
| Online Session Register Here |
May 1, 2023 | 7 PM to 9 PM |
| North Preston Community Centre 44 Simmonds Drive, North Preston |
May 3, 2023 | 2 PM to 4 PM 7 PM to 9 PM |
Once all comments are gathered from this final round of public engagement, Halifax Water will submit these recommendations to the Province of Nova Scotia.
Background
Halifax Water is responsible for managing the Protected Water Areas that act as primary water supplies for the Halifax Regional Municipality. The utility is directed to enforce the Protected Water Area regulations by the Province of Nova Scotia, which is ultimately responsible for approving any changes or amendments to the PWA regulations.
Through the Lake Major PWA regulations, the Lake Major Watershed Advisory Board (Board), comprised of stakeholders and community representatives, was established to advise the Minister and the Water Works Operator on managing the Lake Major watershed. You can find the Board’s terms of reference here.
Past Public Engagement Sessions
To support the Province’s request for public input, Halifax Water hosted public engagement sessions in September and October 2022 at the East Preston Rec Centre, Lake Echo Community Rec Centre, North Preston Community Centre, Fairbanks Centre, Woodlawn United Church, and online.
These informal walk-in sessions included a number of information boards, allowing community members to walk through and learn more about the designated Lake Major Watershed Protected Water Area and the current regulations and speak with representatives from Halifax Water if they have any questions.
There is no formal presentation - attendees are welcome to drop in at any point during these sessions, to speak with representatives and submit their comments and feedback in writing.