Metro Vancouver has approved a new Drinking Water Management Plan that places workforce development into strong focus to sustain and operate one of Canada’s most complex water systems.
The plan outlines a multi-pronged strategy to recruit, train and retain skilled workers, responding to growing concerns about labour shortages in specialized water operations roles.
A key focus is early outreach, with Metro Vancouver committing to work alongside regional school districts and youth leadership programs to build awareness of water sector careers. Initiatives include integrating career education into existing youth programs and introducing job-shadowing opportunities that offer students a “day in the life” of a water operator. The plan also calls for collaboration with First Nations to develop culturally appropriate approaches for engaging Indigenous youth in water-related careers.
To broaden recruitment, Metro Vancouver will develop targeted communications campaigns aimed at younger audiences and workers in low-wage jobs, positioning water operations as a stable, technical career path with long-term growth potential.
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At the post-secondary level, the utility plans to partner with training institutions and certification bodies to expand water operator diploma and certificate programs. It will also work with industry organizations such as the BC Water and Waste Association and the Environmental Operators Certification Program to advocate for enhanced training opportunities and stronger sector coordination.
The plan emphasizes ongoing professional development for existing staff, including identifying critical roles, creating individual employee development plans and expanding access to continuing education. Metro Vancouver also aims to support peer-to-peer learning and knowledge-sharing across the sector, including advocating for a regional “Community of Practice” for water operators.
Officials say the combined approach of spanning early education, targeted recruitment, expanded training and continuous professional development is intended to build a resilient workforce capable of supporting the region’s long-term drinking water needs.
The Drinking Water Management Plan also focuses on four other priority areas:
- Resilient Water System – strengthening the system’s ability to anticipate, withstand, and recover from climate extremes, seismic events, natural hazards, and other disruptions
- Water Supply Quantity and Quality – protecting source water, planning for future supply needs, and preparing for changing water quality conditions
- Environmental Protection and Enhancement – supporting ecological health, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and protecting fish habitat and local ecosystems
- Conservation and Efficiency – reducing per capita water use, improving system efficiency, encouraging metering, promoting leak reduction, behavioural change, and non-potable water use.
