Shuswap River near Enderby (photo credit: Kevin Rothwell /Vernon Matters)

By Kevin Rothwell

Three main items endorsed

Shuswap River sustainability priorities identified

May 16, 2021 | 9:00 AM

North Okanagan Regional District (RDNO) directors have refined concerns regarding the Shuswap River where it flows through specific electoral areas.

RDNO has previously endorsed the principles of the plan which included riparian restoration, flood mitigation and education.

Regional Planning Projects Manager Laura Frank met individually with directors from areas D, E and F to get an idea of specific projects that would fall under that mandate.

Electoral Area D Director Rick Fairbairn had the following input:

• He felt that an assessment of the entire river should be done from a riparian restoration perspective to better understand the needs of the entire river and further refine priorities.
• Fairbairn noted that individual projects can be pursued but if a larger assessment isn’t carried out, these little projects could be wiped out in future years and may negatively affect downstream restoration.
• Riparian restoration downstream of the Mabel Lake Community Hall and Fish Hatchery.
• A fish ladder at Wilsey Dam is still a priority.

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Electoral Area E Director Hank Cameron provided his priorities:

• Bank stabilization at the junction of North and South Fork
• Hanson Park infrastructure
• Consolidate hydro data and weather station information along the river to assist in telling the story

Electoral Area F Director Dennis Delisle listed his area’s priorities including work that had been started:

• Ashton Creek flood restoration work which already had $35,000 in funding.
• Erosion on the rail trail near North Enderby Timber approx. 15-20 ft. stretch and 30-40 ft. wide. Parks has $20,000 allocated for engineering work. This design work is now underway.
• Possible restoration of the BC Hydro site located on the Splatsin reserve.

The Splatsin First Nation has applied for federal funding to undertake riparian and aquatic habitat restoration, and there could be opportunities to partner on some projects.

RDNO can only do work on infrastructure and property owned by the regional district. It was noted that RDNO can provide funding to community groups and First Nations to conduct other work along the river.

A letter has been sent to the Shuswap Watershed Council advising that RDNO will not be providing funding to the council, but will work with the group and provide in-kind support.