Cowichan Valley residents are encouraged to come and learn more about two proposals to alter the allowable levels of Cowichan Lake in June and July to improve flows in Cowichan River during mid to late summer and fall.

Ministry staff have been working closely with local government and stakeholders in reviewing these proposals, including impacts on fish habitat, lakefront property and other factors. The upcoming public meeting will provide the community with additional information on all aspects of the proposals.

The meeting will be held:

Saturday, March 9, 2013
10 a.m (doors will open at 9:30 a.m.)
Lake Cowichan Centennial Hall
311 South Shore Rd.
Lake Cowichan

The Cowichan Valley Regional District is proposing a new water management regime (known as a "rule band"). The proposed rule band would allow Cowichan Lake water levels to be held 20 centimetres above current June and July lake levels (the top of the weir) until July 9, the latest date to begin a drawdown of the lake. A second option would see the water level managed within the current lake level regime, but could see the beginning of drawdown delayed until as late as July 31. Both options would improve the chances of achieving the water licence requirement for a minimum seven cubic metres per second base flow released into Cowichan River during the July to November period.

As part of the decision-making process on these proposals, the comptroller of water rights, as required under the Water Act, is considering a formal resolution received from the Cowichan Valley Regional District (CVRD) to change the current April to November operating guidelines for the management of water stored in and released from Cowichan Lake. Public consultation is a critical part of this process.

Comments or objections to these proposed changes may be submitted in writing to the:

Comptroller of Water Rights
c/o the Regional Water Manager at the Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations
2080-A Labieux Rd.
Nanaimo, B.C.
V9T 6J9

Objections must be received no later than April 5, 2013.

Learn More:

Additional information on the existing rule curve and the proposed changes is available at: http://www.env.gov.bc.ca/wsd/cowichan.html

Media Contact:

Media Relations
Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations
250 356-5261