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.

Temporary water use restrictions on the Coldwater River and its tributaries have been rescinded effective noon, Sept. 18, 2015.