Vernon Matters file photo

By Liam Verster

Concerns about Septic System Plan

Petition to be brought forward to protect Kalamalka Lake

Feb 20, 2025 | 2:31 PM

A petition advocating for protection of Kalamalka Lake will be delivered to the local MLA and the health authority Friday.

The Society for the Protection of Kalamalka Lake have collected over 3,000 signatures, and members of the organization will dress in blue and present the document to Harwinder Sandhu’s office on the afternoon of Feb. 21. After delivering the document to the MLA for Vernon-Lumby, the members will go to the Vernon Health Unit and present the petition to Interior Health.

The Society for the Protection of Kalamalka Lake said they want the MLA and Interior Health to address concerns raised by Greater Vernon Water about a plan for a large septic system near Coldstream Creek.

The group said septic systems can leach nutrients that can pollute creek and lake water, which is a concern as Kalamalka Lake provides drinking water for the majority of Vernon.

The group added Coldstream Creek is a spawning suite for Kokanee salmon, noting an approximate 20,000 fish spawned in the water in 2024.

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Septic leaks could also result in more algae blooms, water restrictions, and swimmer’s itch.

The petition will be delivered to the MLA’s office at 1:15 p.m. and then to Interior Health at 2 p.m.

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