Summer has arrived in the Southern Interior, and those who look after our water are trying to keep unwanted guests out of the region. As tourists and locals alike head to area lakes, the Okanagan Basin Water Board and Okanagan-Similkameen Invasive Species Society remind boaters to clean, drain and dry their watercraft before putting them in local lakes. Anyone bringing any type of watercraft into the province, including kayaks and paddleboards, is reminded to stop at all mussel inspection stations along the way. For 11 years, the Don’t Move a Mussel campaign has been raising awareness of the potential impacts of invasive zebra and quagga mussels. To date, there have been no reported introductions of live zebra or quagga mussels into B.C. lakes. But, once introduced to a water body, invasive mussels can rapidly multiply and form dense colonies, leading to significant ecological and economic consequences.
Parks Canada to reopen Trent-Severn Waterway locks for navigation on June 24
Parks Canada will reopen locks on the Trent-Severn Waterway on Friday which were recently closed due to high water flows and water levels. The reopening will mean daytime navigation will begin at 9 a.m. on Friday, June 24. Since June 1, the Trent-Severn’s watersheds received significant amounts of precipitation, prompting Parks Canada to close some lock stations in the interest of public safety.
Sioux Lookout warns of low water levels at boat launches
Low water levels could lead boats to collide with underwater hazards, such as rocks, and cause damage to hulls or motors. "This is the first year that we've seen the water levels this low, certainly in recent memory," he said. "Water levels do fluctuate in our lakes from season to season and year to year. But this is certainly, by far, the most significant drop in water levels."