The governments of Canada and British Columbia announced changes to the AgriInsurance - Production Insurance program that will help B.C. tree-fruit growers manage the risk of crop losses by hail, spring frost, excessive rain, flooding, drought and wind. 

The Province will allow the freshwater fishing season in rivers and streams on southern Vancouver Island to go ahead, starting Sept. 16.

Despite normal flows for many streams and Level 1 drought conditions elsewhere within the Nicola region, low flows in the Coldwater River system are nearing Level 4, or “extremely dry,” drought conditions.

As a result of prolonged dry conditions along the coast, the Province is urging water users in the Skeena and Nass regions to voluntary reduce water use by 30%.

Because of dropping stream and groundwater levels, the Province is urging everyone on Haida Gwaii to voluntarily reduce water use by 30%.

In response to low rainfall and record high temperatures across southern and eastern Vancouver Island, the Province is putting residents on the highest drought alert and closing most streams and rivers to angling.

Most streams and rivers on Vancouver Island are currently experiencing very low flows similar to this time last year.

Western Premiers met in Vancouver over the past two days to discuss ways to build future prosperity in Canada’s Western provinces and territories.

Western Premiers acknowledged progress, as directed by Canada’s Premiers last year, on creating a national inventory of firefighting resources and ensuring that training is provided to Canadian Armed Forces personnel in wildfire firefighting techniques.