An Evening of Conversations About Our Watershed

Here in the Upper Columbia region we have the great privilege to enjoy water bodies that are fishable, swimmable and drinkable.  We also have the rare opportunity to protect intact aquatic ecosystems, instead of having to restore degraded ones.

While federal-level protection for freshwater ecosystems is changing through modifications to the Fisheries Act, Environmental Assessment Act and Navigable Waters Protection Act, there is more need than ever for local communities to work together to better protect our shared water resources. Provincial policies put in place through the BC Water Act Modernization in 2013 would provide more opportunities for community involvement in decision-making at a watershed scale.

On December 10, we have the special opportunity to hear from the Okanagan Basin Water Board’s Executive Director, Dr. Anna Warwick-Sears.

Communities in the Okanagan Basin, have dealt with some of the toughest water challenges in Canada, including multi-year droughts and draw-downs of Okanagan Lake: all while trying to support a growing population.  In response, they have come together to protect their water resources for everyone.  Dr. Sears will share stories about the how communities in the Okanagan are working together to protect their water.  This conversation will hopefully inspire conversations about what watershed management could look like in the Upper Columbia region.

Join guest speaker Dr. Anna Warwick-Sears from the Okanagan Basin Watershed Board to learn about the community-driven water management efforts in the Okanagan region and share stories with your neighbours about our precious water resources. Everyone is invited – bring your friends!

The talk runs from 6 – 8 p.m. at Copper Point Resort, Quartz III. Refreshments will be provided.

For more information and to RSVP, contact [email protected] or (250) 341-6898.

The Lake Windermere Ambassadors are a society representing a cross-section of community stakeholders, including local businesses, governments, seasonal and year-round homeowners, youth and non-government organizations, who share the vision of a healthy Lake Windermere with balanced management that supports recreational and traditional uses, fish and wildlife values, and economic prosperity in the region. Funding for the community water conversation event has been provided by the Columbia Basin Trust and the Real Estate Foundation of BC.

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