Premier David Eby has issued the following statement after speaking in Penticton with evacuees, local leaders and emergency personnel responding to wildfires:

Province providing support to region to ensure accommodation, supports available

Province working to balance fish protection with urgent public-safety needs

Strategic purchase provides capacity to support periods of peak electricity demand

Project will support future habitat, water infrastructure improvements throughout B.C.

Agricultural, industrial water use temporarily restricted due to low river levels

Project supports resilience to floods, climate change, improves biodiversity, enhances public access