The role of municipal decision-making in community wellbeing in times of drought: a case study of Canada’s Sunshine Coast Regional District

Abstract

Access to clean water is essential for meeting personal, societal, and environmental needs. Climate change is causing more frequent and extreme weather events, leading to less dependable water access and intensified droughts (Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, 2023; UNICEF, 2023). This poses significant threats to human health, environmental sustainability, and economic prosperity (Brandes & O’Riordan, 2014; United Nations, 2024). This research explores the role of municipal decision-making during the 2022 drought in the Sunshine Coast Regional District (SCRD), focusing on the impact of water policies on community wellbeing. The study reviews secondary sources, including provincial documents and public reports, and analyzes online questionnaires completed by SCRD’s municipal representatives. Qualitative and quantitative data were analyzed using a convergent parallel design. Findings indicate low levels of awareness about water problems, usage practices and general water literacy in the region, highlighting the need for behavioural changes in water consumption, conservation, and management. During the 2022 drought, municipalities primarily employed information-based policies and Water Conservation Regulations. Efforts also focused on expanding and diversifying water supply sources. Significant progress in adaptive governance could be achieved and supported by adjusting policies and practices proactively. Participants emphasized the need to consider human, natural, economic, and social aspects of community wellbeing, advocating for a holistic approach to enhance municipal decision-making. The value a community places on water is intricately connected to how the resource is managed. Municipal decision-making plays a crucial role in delimiting the perspectives and ideas that can lead to a more sustainable and collaborative community. This research contributes to the discourse on sustainable communities and the effectiveness of governmental efforts in addressing droughts. Keywords: Droughts, community wellbeing, decision-making, water policies, adaptive governance