SWC in the News

Media Releases

May 3, 2023

Travellers into British Columbia with a watercraft of any kind are required to stop for inspection, and decontamination if necessary, which is provided free of charge by the BC Conservation Officer Service. Photo credit: BC Conservation Officer Service.

May 3, 2023

Prevent aquatic invasive species with these steps: Clean-Drain-Dry and stop for watercraft inspection

Spring in the Shuswap has many thinking about boating, paddling and fishing. The month of May is designated as Invasive Species Action Month, and here in the Shuswap that means it’s time to focus on aquatic invasive species prevention. The increased movement of boats and watercraft into and around the Shuswap means there’s an increased risk of moving aquatic invasive species. Read more.

April 13, 2023

Shuswap Watershed Council awarding five grants for water quality improvement

The Shuswap Watershed Council (SWC) has announced grant funding for projects that protect and improve water quality in the Shuswap watershed. Read more.

March 17, 2023

Shuswap Watershed Council receives reply letter from Minister of Environment regarding algal bloom, new commitments made for monitoring and action

The Shuswap Watershed Council (SWC) has received a reply directly from Hon. George Heyman, provincial Minister of Environment and Climate Change Strategy. The SWC originally wrote to Minister Heyman in October to relay their concerns about persistent algal blooms that occurred in Salmon Arm Bay in 2022 and in 2020. Read more.

December 1, 2022

Shuswap Watershed Council launches fourth intake to Water Quality Grant Program

The Shuswap Watershed Council (SWC) is inviting another round of applications to its Water Quality Grant Program, beginning December 1st. Read more.

October 19, 2022

Shuswap Watershed Council calls for more action from Province on algal blooms

The Shuswap Watershed Council has written a letter to George Heyman, Provincial Minister of Environment and Climate Change Strategy, calling for more action and intervention from the Province to prevent future algal blooms in Shuswap Lake.  Read more.

October 12, 2022

Shuswap Watershed Council publishes Phosphorus Action Plan

The Shuswap Watershed Council has just published a new document to encourage residents in the Shuswap to take steps that will protect water quality. The Phosphorus Action Plan provides guidance to everyone living and/or working in the Shuswap about how to reduce the amount of phosphorus being released into the watershed.

Read the media release | Read the Phosphorus Action Plan

August 17, 2022

Information about algal bloom, many ways for residents to help protect water quality

The Shuswap Watershed Council (SWC) is providing further information in response to inquiries about the algal bloom occurring in the Salmon Arm portion of Shuswap Lake. As of August 16, Interior Health has issued a Cautionary Advisory due to the algal bloom for that part of the lake, including Salmon Arm Wharf, Tappen Bay, Sunnybrae, Herald Provincial Park and Canoe Beach. Read more.

June 18, 2022

Shuswap Watershed Council releases 2021 water quality summary report

The Shuswap Watershed Council (SWC) has just released a summary report about recent water quality monitoring throughout the watershed. Read more.

June 13, 2022

Shuswap Watershed Council awarding two grants for water quality improvement

The Shuswap Watershed Council (SWC) has announced grant funding for projects that protect and improve water quality in the Shuswap watershed. Read more.

June 4, 2022

Shuswap organizations issue reminders for safe boating and water play

Water Safety Week is June 4–11

June 4th marks the start of the annual Water Safety Week in Canada, and the Shuswap Watershed  Council (SWC) and Royal Canadian Marine Search and Rescue Station 106 Shuswap (RCMSAR) are reminding everyone on the lakes and rivers to play safe and be prepared for every outing on the water. Read more.

May 18, 2022

Use a lifejacket — it could save your life

Improper use of lifejackets is a factor in 87% of boating fatalities

May 19th is National Lifejacket Day, an annual campaign to encourage and promote the use of lifejackets and PFDs among boaters and water recreationists. It comes at an opportune time with May long weekend upon us, and many Shuswap residents thinking about getting out on the water for the first time this season. Read more.

May 1, 2022

Editorial: Prevent aquatic invasive species with these steps: Clean-Drain-Dry and stop for watercraft inspection

Spring in the Shuswap has many thinking about lake cruises, paddling, fishing and tow sports. But May is also Invasive Species Action Month, and here in the Shuswap that means it’s time to focus on aquatic invasive species prevention. The increased movement of boats and other watercraft into and around the Shuswap means there’s an increased risk of moving aquatic invasive species. Read more.

March 14, 2022

New Chair of Shuswap Watershed Council will continue work on water quality and aquatic invasive species

Jay Simpson has succeeded Paul Demenok as the Chair of the Shuswap Watershed Council (SWC). Simpson, the Area Director for the Columbia Shuswap Regional District Area F - North Shuswap, was acclaimed as Chair of the SWC for 2022 at their regular meeting on March 9. Read more.

January 18, 2022

Shuswap Watershed Council pens joint letter to federal Fisheries Minister about aquatic invasive mussels

The Shuswap Watershed Council (SWC), Shuswap Waterfront Owners Association (SWOA), and Columbia Shuswap Invasive Species Society (CSISS) sent a letter recently to Honourable Joyce Murray, Minister for Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard. Read more.

January 15, 2022

Shuswap Watershed Council seeking Community Representatives

The Shuswap Watershed Council (SWC) is inviting residents of the Shuswap to join the SWC membership as a Community Representative. Up to four positions are available, for up to three-year terms, beginning in April 2022. Read more.

November 15, 2021

Shuswap Watershed Council launches third intake to Water Quality Grant Program

The Shuswap Watershed Council (SWC) is inviting another round of applications to its Water Quality Grant Program. Read more.

August 2, 2021

Shuswap Watershed Council releases 2020 water quality summary report

The Shuswap Watershed Council (SWC) has just released a summary report about recent water quality monitoring throughout the watershed. Read more.

June 24, 2021

Shuswap water quality monitors prepared to respond to algae blooms

Several water quality monitoring organizations are ready and willing to respond to an algae bloom in the Shuswap watershed this summer, if the need arises. The Shuswap Watershed Council (SWC) recently facilitated the development of a regional algae bloom response plan for the Shuswap watershed. The plan complements and builds upon a provincial protocol for cyanobacteria response. Read more.

June 8, 2021

Shuswap organizations issue reminders for safe boating and water play

June 5th marks the start of the Annual Water Safety Week in Canada, and the Shuswap Watershed Council (SWC) and Royal Canadian Marine Search And Rescue Station 106 Shuswap (RCMSAR) are reminding everyone on the lakes and rivers to play safe and be prepared for every outing on the water. Read more.

May 14, 2021

Lifejackets save lives

Improper use of lifejackets is a factor in 87% of boating fatalities.

May 20th is National Lifejacket Day, an annual campaign to encourage and promote the use of lifejackets and PFDs among boaters. It comes at an opportune time with May long weekend upon us, and many Shuswap residents thinking about getting out on the water for the first time this season. Read more.

May 4, 2021

Invasive Species Action Month is a timely reminder that boaters and watercraft users must Clean-Drain-Dry, stop for watercraft inspection

With the arrival of May and warmer weather in the Shuswap, many of us are now thinking about lake cruises, paddling, fishing, and tow sports. For two Shuswap-based organizations, May is Invasive Species Action Month and that means it’s time to turn up the heat on aquatic invasive species prevention. Read more.

February 23, 2021

Shuswap Watershed Council launches second year of water quality grants

The Shuswap Watershed Council (SWC) is inviting applications to its Water Quality Grant Program, for the second year running. Read more.

January 6, 2021

New video describes local farms' partnerships with Shuswap Watershed Council

The Shuswap Watershed Council (SWC) has just released a short video describing how four local farms are reducing their impact on the environment with the assistance of SWC’s Water Quality Grant Program. Read more.

October 13, 2020

Shuswap Watershed Council declares algal bloom over; offers presentations on water quality

The Shuswap Watershed Council (SWC) has confirmed that the algal bloom that affected Shuswap Lake at Salmon Arm Bay, Tappen Bay, Canoe, and Herald this summer has ended. Read more.

August 14, 2020

Information on Algae Blooms

The Shuswap Watershed Council (SWC) is providing an updated explanation on the large algal bloom occurring in Salmon Arm Bay. Just last week, the SWC released the 2019 Shuswap Water Quality Report. Read more.

August 10, 2020

Shuswap Watershed Council Releases 2019 Water Quality Report

The Shuswap Watershed Council has just released a summary report about recent water quality monitoring throughout the watershed. Read more.

July 22, 2020

Shuswap Watershed Council awarding five grants for water quality improvement

The Shuswap Watershed Council is awarding five grants this year to help farm businesses in the Shuswap watershed improve nutrient management, and ultimately protect water quality by reducing nutrient-loading to creeks and rivers. Read more.

May 8, 2020

Shuswap organizations urge boaters to be diligent about Clean-Drain-Dry, watercraft inspection

Boating season is here! With the arrival of warm weather in the Shuswap, many of us are now thinking about lake cruises, paddling, fishing, and tow sports. For two Shuswap-based organizations, boating season means it’s time to turn up the heat on invasive Zebra and Quagga mussel prevention. Read more.

February 20, 2020

Shuswap Watershed Council releases new report on nutrients and water quality, launches new water quality grant program

The Shuswap Watershed Council (SWC) has just released a new report summarizing the results of a three-year study done in partnership with scientists at UBC – Okanagan. Read more.

December 20, 2019

Shuswap Watershed Council and Okanagan Basin Water Board pen joint letter to new Fisheries Minister, calling for action on Invasive Mussels

The Shuswap Watershed Council (SWC) and Okanagan Basin Water Board (OBWB), two watershed organizations based in the Interior region of B.C., have sent a letter to the new federal Minister of Fisheries and Oceans, Hon. Bernadette Jordan, to express their ongoing concern about the threat of aquatic invasive
Zebra and Quagga mussels and call for more action from the federal government. Media release | Letter to the Minister

July 30, 2019

Shuswap Watershed Council releases 2018 water quality report

The Shuswap Watershed Council (SWC) has released a report about recent water quality monitoring throughout the Shuswap watershed. Read more.

June 26, 2019

Staying safe on the water this summer

It’s summer in the Shuswap! It’s time for boating, swimming, and paddling. The Shuswap Watershed Council is reminding everyone on the lakes and rivers to play safe and be
prepared for every outing on the water. Read more.

May 15th, 2019

Shuswap organizations urge boaters and fishers to Clean, Drain, Dry and stop at watercraft inspection stations

The May long weekend is upon us. For many in the Shuswap, that means our attention turns to the lakes and rivers, and a plethora of water-based activities including boating, fishing, canoeing, and stand-up paddleboarding. Read more.

January 23, 2019

Shuswap Watershed Council wants community representatives to join the Council

The Shuswap Watershed Council (SWC) is inviting residents of the Shuswap to apply to become a community representative of the Council. Up to three representative seats are available, each for a three-year term beginning in April 2019. Read more.

October 2, 2018

Shuswap Watershed Council will continue; hears update on multi-year water quality research project

The Shuswap Watershed Council (SWC) will continue its work on water quality, safe recreation and Zebra and Quagga Mussels – that’s the result of a recommendation and subsequent approval at the most recent SWC meeting in September. Read more.

July 10, 2018

Shuswap Watershed Council releases new water quality report

The Shuswap Watershed Council (SWC) has released a report covering the results of recent water quality monitoring throughout the Shuswap watershed. Read more.

June 27, 2018

Working Together to Keep Invasive Mussels out of the Shuswap

Representatives of watershed and invasive species organizations, along with concerned citizens, met on Wednesday in Sicamous to discuss and learn more about the threat that zebra and quagga mussels pose to the Shuswap. Read more.

May 24, 2018

Play it safe on the water this summer

The Shuswap Watershed Council (SWC) is reminding everyone on the lakes and rivers this summer to play it safe, and be prepared for every outing on the water ... Read more.

May 16, 2018

Shuswap organizations urge boaters and fishers to Clean, Drain, Dry and stop at watercraft inspection stations

The May long weekend is upon us. For many in the Shuswap, that means our attention turns to the lakes and rivers, and a plethora of water-based activities: boating, canoeing, fishing, stand-up paddle boarding ... Read more.

May 4, 2018

Shuswap Watershed Council Keen to Work with Local Agriculture

The Shuswap Watershed Council (SWC) wants to have clean water and a thriving agriculture industry ... Read more.

Photo Link | Caption: Henry Bremer, Chair of Kamloops Okanagan Dairy Association, and Ralph Vandalfsen, owner/operator of Trinity Valley Dairy Farm, speak during a dairy tour held at Vandalfsen’s farm on April 5

January 18, 2018

Shuswap Watershed Council contributes to Agricultural Waste review

The Provincial Agricultural Waste Control Regulation (AWCR) is undergoing review and revisions, and the Shuswap Watershed Council (SWC) has contributed to the review process. Read more.

December 14, 2017

Shuswap Watershed Council’s monitoring project shows good results

A special water quality monitoring project undertaken by the Shuswap Watershed Council has wrapped up, and the results are good – that’s the message that Council members heard at their meeting in Salmon Arm on Wednesday. Read more.

June 8, 2017 (Updated June 15, 2017)

Algae, pollen, and large debris in Shuswap Lake

Reports of algae in the Canoe area of Shuswap Lake this morning are currently under investigation. Read more.

May 24, 2017

Boaters advised to watch for debris and go slowly near shorelines

The Shuswap Watershed Council (SWC) is reminding boaters to use extra caution while lake levels and rivers are high. Read more.

June 24, 2016

Stay safe on the water this summer

It’s summer in the Shuswap! It’s a time for relaxation, enjoying the lake views, boating, floating, and swimming. The Shuswap Watershed Council (SWC) is reminding everyone on the lakes and rivers this summer to play it safe, and be prepared for every outing on the water. Read more.

January 4, 2016

Shuswap Watershed Council seeks community representatives

The Shuswap Watershed Council (SWC) is seeking up to three community representatives to join the Council membership in 2016, for up to three-year terms.  Read more.