Wayne Moore – Apr 22, 2026 / 5:34 pm |
The District of Lake County is utilizing grant funding through the province’s Agriculture Water Infrastructure Program for projects to advance water storage and flow management within the Beaver Lake chain and Vernon Creek watershed.
The project will include feasibility studies, environmental assessments and preliminary design work to move identified solutions closer to implementation, including increasing storage at Beaver Lake and a partial bypass around Duck Lake.
“This is an important step toward putting real solutions in place,” said capital projects manager Kiel Wilkie.
“By improving how water is stored and managed, we can better support agriculture while protecting flows in Middle Vernon Creek, especially during dry years.”
The Beaver Lake and Vernon Creek watershed is critical for local agriculture and supports unique kokanee populations.
Middle Vernon Creek is a primary spawning tributary for a wild-stock kokanee fishery. Ongoing challenges have placed increasing pressure on both agricultural water use and environmental flow needs.
“Protecting both our water supply and the health of our natural ecosystems is a priority for our community,” said Mayor Blair Ireland.
“This funding allows us to take important steps toward long-term, sustainable solutions that support agriculture, protect aquatic ecosystems and strengthen water security in Lake Country.”
Lake Country is already under conservation measures this spring due to low snowpack.
