Water Board elects new chair and vice-chair: Directors have elected Doug Findlater, a Regional District of Central Okanagan appointee, as chair of the Okanagan Basin Water Board. Juliette Cunningham, a Regional District of North Okanagan representative, was elected vice-chair. The board thanked out-going chair Stu Wells for his years leading the board and welcomed his continued participation as a director. They also thanked and gave best wishes to out-going vice-chair Rick Fairbairn who is taking on the role of Chair at RDNO and will be an alternate to the Water Board.

OBWB calls on sr. government to get serious about mussel threat: After lengthy discussion about the growing threat of invasive zebra and quagga mussels to Okanagan lakes, the board directed staff to take action. Staff were asked to meet with the Okanagan MLA and MP caucus and urge passing of pending legislation to allow watercraft inspections at Canada-U.S. border crossings, and recommend inspections at inter-provincial borders as well as the necessary funding to implement such a program. Staff were also directed to send letters to the B.C. and federal ministers responsible and make the same recommendations. It is estimated that an invasion could cost the valley $43 million annually to manage. The province has suggested inspection stations would cost up to $160,000 per station per year, but would only be needed at major entry points into B.C.

Deadline nears for water grant applications: The deadline for applications to the OBWB’s Water Conservation and Quality Improvement Grant Program is 4 p.m. Friday, Feb. 21. Eligible applicants include Okanagan non-profit community groups, local governments, and improvement districts. All applications must include a board or council resolution of support. Complete details are available at http://www.obwb.ca/call-for-applications.

Water Stewardship Council to discuss flood management: The Water Board’s technical advisory body has its regular monthly meeting on Thurs. Feb. 13, 12:30 - 4:30 p.m. in Kelowna. On the agenda is a panel discussion, organized in partnership with the Okanagan Mainline Real Estate Board, looking at flood risk assessment and prevention. Those interested in attending should contact the OBWB to reserve a seat. Call 250-469-6270.

Fun activities planned for Canada Water Week: The Water Board and its Okanagan WaterWise program are planning a number of events to celebrate UN World Water Day and Canada Water Week, March 16-22, including its popular panel discussion on March 20 with MC Chris Walker of CBC Radio’s Daybreak South. Also, we will be showing the stunning and award-winning film Watermark in partnership with Fresh Outlook Foundation. The annual OkWaterWise multi-media contest will return, and there will be a special Water Leadership award presented. More details to come.

For more information, please visit: www.OBWB.ca

News from © iNFOnews, 2014