A comparative analysis of integrated water resources management approaches in selected sites in Nova Scotia and Ontario, Canada

A comparison of water management approaches in the Halifax Regional Municipality in Nova Scotia and the Upper Thames River Conservation Authority in Ontario and in each province generally was conducted to identify barriers to and best practices for integrated water resources management (IWRM). Thirty-one experts on water resources management were interviewed. The first key result found that the majority of barriers that impede IWRM are political or social in nature, which necessitates greater facilitation of the stakeholders involved rather than purely managing the hydrological resource. In addition, there is an inadequate process in place for embracing differing opinions among stakeholders, particularly in areas of conflict. Finally, both Ontario and Nova Scotia lack a robust policy framework that enables IWRM to occur at all levels. If challenges associated with IWRM are considered opportunities rather than barriers, IWRM has the potential to be a transformative force for water resources management in practice.