Water Works By-law Decorative Fountain Exemptions

Summary

• Directed staff to explore potential by-law exemptions or temporary exceptions for decorative water fountains deemed to have notable health and wellness value, including the Bute Street pedestrian walkway fountain in the West End.
• Background: the City's Water Works By-law requires non-recirculating flow-through water features to be shut off as a water conservation measure, resulting in several park fountains being turned off; community members, particularly those near the adjacent seniors home, had called for the Bute Street fountain to be restored.
• Motion notes a perceived conflict between the Water Works By-law's conservation objectives and the City's Healthy City Strategy goals around public space, mental health, and social well-being.
• Staff directed to report back with recommendations for exemptions or exceptions no later than end of April 2023, including how to balance health benefits with water conservation until Park Board can upgrade features to recirculating systems.

Vote

Documents

• Motion – Water Works By-law Exemptions and/or Viable Exceptions for Notable Decorative City Water Features (Motion B.2)