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May 1, 2008 OMBUDSMAN'S DRAINAGE REPORT ACCEPTED BY GOVERNMENT– – –Province Makes Significant Progress Toward Addressing Concerns: Melnick Water Stewardship Minister Christine Melnick today accepted the recommendations of the ombudsman’s office in its Report on the Licensing and Enforcement Practices of Manitoba Water Stewardship.
“We would like to thank the ombudsman’s office for its extensive work in reviewing the history of drainage concerns in Manitoba and in creating this thorough report,” Melnick said. “As the ombudsman has noted, changes have already been made to address many of the issues. This report provides valuable assistance as we continue our work and set priorities for the future.”
The department has doubled its licensing and enforcement staff with the creation of 14 new positions. Thirteen of those positions have been filled, putting the department on course to relieving the backlog of applications for drainage licences. About 90 per cent of new applications are now expected to be processed within a four-month time frame.
The department has also given water resource officers the authority to issue tickets on site to landowners who are breaking the law.
“We believe that these and other recent measures, along with improvements recommended by the ombudsman, will result in a more effective drainage licensing and enforcement system,” Melnick said.
The ombudman’s report noted that Manitoba Water Stewardship has undergone a significant restructuring and received a substantial increase in resources for licensing and enforcement. The department has now taken action or will initiate action on all of the ombudsman’s recommendations.
An Environmentally Friendly Drainage Manual is being prepared and will be issued this year to clarify regulations and assist landowners and municipalities to develop sustainable drainage practices.
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