Mosquito relief could come next year in vacation area

There will be no relief from mosquitos in Scotch Creek this year, but perhaps in 2023.

The Columbia Shuswap Regional District (CSRD) suspended a control program for the biting insects earlier this year after the Little Shuswap Lake Band (LSLB) had concerns with potential environmental impacts resulting from the mosquito larvicide treatment.

Now the band, CSRD and BC Parks are working together to possibly restart the project next year.

“We understand the mosquitoes pose a problem for residents and visitors to the area who are looking to be outside and enjoy all the recreational opportunities. It is a difficult situation,” said Ben Van Nostrand, the CSRD’s team leader of environmental services. “However, we respect that all the partners in the program want to have their concerns addressed. We are doing what we can to try and resolve the situation for 2023.”