Sustainable economic development and community expansion depends, to a large part, on the availability of Crown land and water. Water quality and availability can have a substantial impact on the growth of communities and their economies, and on ecosystems.

This section addresses Crown land uses administered under the Land Act, water use regulated under the Water Act and management of drinking water sources.

Public and private infrastructure (e.g., transportation corridors, communication sites, landfills) and tourism development are supported through Land Act tenures, leases and permits.

Surface water use is allocated and regulated through a water licensing system administered under the Water Act. Most drinking water comes from surface sources. The Drinking Water Protection Act addresses source protection.