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More than $318,000 has been approved by the Okanagan Basin Water Board for 17 projects designed to conserve water and address climate change.
The Board’s chair, Sue McKortoff, said “climate change is a reality in our valley” and stressed the need for cooperation.
“We have seen extreme flooding, drought and fires, sometimes all in the same year,” she said.
“We can’t work in silos. We need to work together, sharing ideas and resources. This program does that.”
The funding will go toward addressing the Okanagan’s water issues by working with residents, businesses and local governments.
Projects were required to show valley-wide benefit and address climate change.
“Despite the fact that we see water in our lakes and streams, we have less water available in the Okanagan per person than elsewhere in Canada,” added McKortoff.
“As our population continues to grow, as water availability becomes less certain, and as fires and extreme rain events impact our water quality, things need to change. We can’t keep on the same path.
“These projects help build a more resilient Okanagan, and offer the opportunity to engage all of us in that effort.”
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