Limits to Growth Policy
Allocating Tofino’s Water Supply
On December 10, 2024, the District of Tofino Council adopted the Limits to Growth Policy, which is now in effect.
The policy is a measure from Council to assume a level of risk in order to prioritize the development of residential housing and developments from Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation.
The policy defines an upper limit on the allowable increase in water demand from the existing raw water supply. It establishes a framework for tracking new water usage and prioritizes specific types of development. By providing clear guidance and structure for development decisions, the policy ensures a predictable, consistent, and transparent approach to water resource management until an alternative water source is in place.
REMAINING WATER CAPACITY TRACKER
Last Updated: March 24, 2025
As of December 10, 2024, the overall remaining raw water supply allocated for new development was 120 m³/day. Currently, the numbers below represent the amount of water available for various development types. These numbers do not include applications that are currently being reviewed.
Residential: 49.19 m3 | Commercial, Industrial, Institutional: 9.11 m3 | Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation: 60 m3
Overview
Background
Tofino’s water is collected with gratitude from the rainforests protected by Tla-o-qui-aht Tribal Parks in the Hahuulthii of the Tla-o-qui-aht Ha'wiih (chiefs). The community's water is drawn from five creeks on Meares Island, operating as a flow-through system.
In early 2024, the District received the Water Master Plan (WMP), which identified a deficit in Tofino's current raw water supply during the busy and dry months. A water deficit occurs when the community's Maximum Day Demand (MDD) exceeds the flow rate from the source creeks on Meares Island. Projections indicate that climate change, coupled with population growth, will heighten this supply shortfall, potentially leading to more days of heightened water restrictions in summer, impacting residents and visitors.
Based on recommendations from the WMP, the District is actively seeking to secure an alternative water source and additional treatment capacity by 2043. Until a secure alternative water source is established, interim measures are required to mitigate community impacts, which includes the Limits to Growth Policy.
Key Policy Information
- All new developments must obtain a Water Allocation Certificate (WAC) before receiving a Building Permit. Allocated water supply will be tracked and deducted from the remaining raw water capacity.
- The policy defines eligible and ineligible uses for water allocation.
- Allocation of the remaining raw water supply will be managed on a first-come, first-served basis.
Six-Month Review
At the June 24, 2025, Regular Council meeting, staff presented a six-month update on the policy. The review highlighted several key findings:
- Development interest is high. There is more demand for water than there is supply.
- Six WACs have been issued to date, allocating a total of 1.69 cubic metres of water per day.
- Staff are currently in contact with approximately 15 applicants, who collectively require over 80 cubic meters of water per day, surpassing the amount of 60 cubic meters allotted under the policy.
- If current demand continues, the remaining water supply could be fully allocated within the next year, meaning certain developments may not be able to proceed.