Developing a water security plan will be a focus for 琉璃神社 city staff over the next few months.

The process was outlined to council at its Feb. 13 meeting.

鈥淲hat are we doing, and what can we do as a city to provide leadership in ensuring that our water systems, Okanagan Lake, and our creeks are maintained for a healthy environment and to support our community,鈥� explained Rod MacLean, utilities planning manager.

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MacLean told council that future water plans require that Okanagan Lake and upland watersheds remain high-quality sources.

鈥淭his is absolutely critical to the city of 琉璃神社.鈥�

The city will be starting a number of projects this year for long-term water supply needs, according to a staff report.

鈥淯nderlying all of this is an assurance that we are properly servicing the needs of our community,鈥� added MacLean.

He also noted that there are competing philosophies, amongst provincial ministries, Interior Health, and local governments, regarding how water should be handled and dealt with.

鈥淥n top of this, we have an additional factor where we鈥檙e starting to see some of the regulatory processes being moved over to Indigenous rights and Indigenous obligations. There is an opportunity here to align the Sylix water declaration, for example, with our own principles.鈥�

Council adopted nine water-related principles in a staff report to guide the development of the water security plan.

Staff will engage with council, stakeholders, and the community in putting together the draft plan which should be completed by the fall.

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gary.barnes@kelownacapnews.com
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