Public Outreach for Source Water Protection for Wood and Kalamalka Lake

2018

$24,500

$20,000

The aim of this project is to follow through on research undertaken in 2016 -17 that examined the threats of boating activity on lake water source protection for the municipal intakes on Kalamalka Lake and the domestics intakes on Wood Lake. The research identified the re-suspension of sediment and contaminates (hydrocarbons, bacteria and heavy metals), erosion to property and shorelines, and damage to spawning habitat and bird nesting areas. The report was received by the District of Lake Country, the District of Coldstream, and the Regional District of North Okanagan, all of whom have directed staff to further investigate the implications of the recommendations put forward by the study.

This project will develop and undertake a public engagement program to build awareness for source water protection, and assess the community support for the study’s recommendations that included non-motorized areas, no wake zones, spill management plans and the protection for critical shoreline habitat. The input gathered through the public engagement process will allow planners and decision makers to better understand the types of changes that could be implemented to mitigate the impacts from boating activities.