Vernon Mayor, Victor Cumming, OKIB Chief, Dan Wilson, and Lake Country Mayor, Blair Ireland, endorsing the North Aberdeen Plateau Guidance Plan (photo courtesy of the RDNO)

By Liam Verster

Drinking Water and Environment Protection Plan

OKIB, RDNO and Lake Country endorse North Aberdeen Plateau Guidance Plan

Nov 10, 2025 | 1:00 PM

Local municipalities and First Nations have approved the framework for protecting water, cultural values and landscape from wildfires, drought, and climate pressures.

The Okanagan Indian Band (OKIB), Regional District of North Okanagan (RDNO), and District of Lake Country have formally endorsed the North Aberdeen Plateau Guidance Plan.

The upland watershed at the plateau is the primary source of drinking water for Greater Vernon and Lake Country, and plays a key role in maintaining water quality and reliability while supporting ecological and cultural values. The area also holds deep cultural and historical significance for the OKIB and syilx peoples, and the plan reflects the First Nations’ values and responsibilities regarding support of long-term land and water health.

“The syilx Okanagan people carry the responsibility to maintain and care for the land and water within our territory. This work reflects that responsibility,” OKIB Chief, Dan Wilson, said in a release.

“By moving forward together with our partners, we are protecting water, cultural values, and the Plateau for our people and our neighbours, now and for future generations.”

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The Guidance Plan was developed by the OKIB, RDNO and District of Lake Country over the past year and outlines shared priorities and a joint structure for implementation, including:

• A Watershed Resilience Plan focused on long-term source water protection
• A Wildfire Resilience Plan to reduce risk to water and cultural values
• Annual action planning and reporting to track progress and support transparency

“Protecting the North Aberdeen Plateau has been years in the making,” Victor Cumming, Mayor of Vernon and member of the RDNO’s Greater Vernon Advisory Committee, said.

“This Guidance Plan brings together local governments, the Okanagan Indian Band, and regional partners to build a shared vision for watershed health, wildfire resilience, and climate adaptation. I’m proud of the collaboration and the strong foundation guiding the safeguarding of our water and landscape for generations to come.”

The OKIB, RDNO, and District of Lake Country will make decisions together regarding the plan through a joint leadership group and technical working team. Initial work will focus on joint planning and monitoring to support watershed health, cultural stewardship, and wildfire-resilience.

“As not only the mayor of Lake Country but also the chair of the Okanagan Basin Water Board, I am very excited to see this plan put into action. We need to protect our fragile watersheds now more than ever,” Lake Country Mayor, Blair Ireland, added.

“Through the dedication, collaboration, and shared vision of our communities—OKIB, RDNO, and Lake Country—we are closer than ever to making that happen. Collaboration is the key to our success, and I am honoured to be part of this hard-working group. Together, we share a common goal: to protect and steward our water sources for future generations and to honour the cultural values of the land.”