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By CSRD & Vernon Matters Staff
Water protection

Three-year extension approved for Shuswap Watershed Council

Sep 22, 2020 | 10:36 AM

Columbia Shuswap Regional District (CSRD) directors adopted a bylaw extending the services of the Shuswap Watershed Council for a three-year term until the end of 2023 following approval from the Inspector of Municipalities.

“We appreciate the Inspector of Municipalities allowing the Shuswap Watershed Council’s efforts to continue for a three-year term until the electorate can be fully involved in a voter assent process,” said CSRD Board Chair Kevin Flynn.

A voter assent process for the Shuswap Watershed Council could be initiated at any time within the three-year extension period, depending on direction from the members. Participants include Electoral Areas C, D, E, F and the District of Sicamous.

Any future plans to make the Shuswap Watershed Council permanent or to extend it the beyond the three-year term will require the approval of electors by an alternative approval process or referendum. The agreement was also subject to the maximum tax requisition limit remaining at the current rate.

Residents in the service area pay an annual parcel tax for the Shuswap Watershed Council’s services. In 2020, this amounted to $10.56 per property, however, the amount can vary slightly depending on the tax assessment roll.

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The purpose of the Shuswap Watershed Council is to collaborate, promote, protect and monitor water quality in those parts of the Shuswap Watershed that make up the service area, and to promote recreational water safety.

“The Shuswap Watershed Council has been very active in ongoing monitoring, and now, mitigation of pollutants in our watershed. The extended algae bloom of 2020 clearly points to the need for local involvement in the reduction of nutrient overloads, and highlights the significance of the problem for all residents and visitors to our area,” said Paul Demenok, Electoral Area C Director and Board Chair of the Shuswap Watershed Council.

“We need to have actions taken that will preserve the quality of our watershed for generations to come,” Demenok adds.

Photo: A view of Shuswap Lake from Branch Road in Eagle Bay. (CSRD photo)

by CSRD & Vernon Matters Staff
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