P.E.I. water act consultations begin in October

P.E.I. will hold water act public consultations in seven communities beginning in October, says the Minister of Communities, Land and Environment Robert Mitchell.

After the potato industry began calling for a moratorium on high-capacity water wells to be lifted, the government announced plans in June 2014 for a water act that would establish new legislation on all aspects of water management in the province.

At the time, then-environment minister Janice Sherry promised "broad consultations with Islanders and experts in the development of the new act."

The province's Environmental Advisory Council will lead the consultations. Information gathered will help draft the legislation, which will be presented to the public for review next year.

"Members of our committee look forward to meeting with the public this fall," said Richard Davies, the council's chairman, in a news release.

"We strongly encourage Islanders to register for an upcoming session to ensure their voices are heard in the development of P.E.I.'s Water Act."

The public can register for the meetings by calling 902-368-5028. 

Feedback can be submitted on the province's website, by phone, email or written submission.