Kalamalka Lake (Image Credit: Liam Verster / Vernon Matters Staff)

By Liam Verster

Water Projects

RDNO looking for lake documentary and education funding

Feb 3, 2026 | 3:13 PM

The Regional District of North Okanagan is considering pursuing additional funding for an educational water project.

A report from RDNO staff recommends the Greater Vernon Advisory Committee endorse an application to the Okanagan Basin Water Board’s Water Conservation and Quality Improvement Grant Program.

The RDNOP want to secure $30,000 through the grant program to support a public education campaign, and to help fund a documentary about Kalamalka and Wood Lakes.

“The proposed project will develop a public-facing outreach campaign highlighting the ecological, cultural, and drinking-water importance of Kalamalka and Wood Lakes with the goal of setting the framework for a documentary,” the staff report stated.

“The work will communicate emerging pressures — shoreline development, nutrient loading, recreational impacts, and climate-driven stressors — while empowering residents to participate in stewardship actions.”

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If endorsed, the decision to apply for the grant will go before the RDNO Board of Directors.

Additionally, GVAC has been asked to support a request for OBWB grants from a separate agency.

The Society for the Protection of Kalamalka Lake said in a letter to the District of Coldstream and Greater Vernon Water that it was considering applying for two grants from the water protection advocacy agency.

One grant would go to support a contest that would see local students submit their best ideas for keeping invasive mussels out of local lakes and waterways.

The other grant application would request funding to undertake water quality testing in Kalamalka Lake to determine if chemicals and other pollutants are at concerning levels.

GVAC was asked write a letter in support of these applications.

Both matters will be discussed at the meeting on Feb. 4.