About SWC

The Shuswap Watershed Council (SWC) was established in 2014 as a watershed-based partnership of several organizations with an interest or responsibility for protecting water quality.

There are up to 22 members of SWC that represent three regional districts, two municipalities, the Secwepemc Nation, three provincial government agencies and Shuswap communities.

New! — SWC Seeks Youth Representative

Youth passionate about the Shuswap watershed are invited to join our mission to protect and enhance water quality!

The Shuswap Watershed Council is inviting youth (age 19 – 30) residing in the Shuswap watershed to apply to join the SWC membership as a youth representative.

Learn more and apply by February 21, 2025!

One youth representative position is available for a two-year term with the Shuswap Watershed Council, commencing April 1, 2025.

As a youth representative on the SWC, you will work with other SWC members and staff to provide direction to the SWC’s work on water quality monitoring and protection; aquatic invasive species; safe boating; public engagement, education and communications; and advocacy.

This is a volunteer position where, as the youth representative on the SWC, you will have an opportunity to:

  • Gain valuable experience in watershed governance, management and protection
  • Expand your network
  • Participate in discussions in quarterly meetings (4 meetings/year: see meeting schedule), held within the Shuswap region or held virtually
  • Contribute a youth perspective to the SWC’s work on water quality monitoring and protection, aquatic invasive species, safe boating, public engagement and education, communications, and advocacy

Note: travel expenses associated with attending SWC meetings or events will be compensated in accordance with BC government rates.

For more information about the role of the Shuswap Watershed Council, including how the youth representative can contribute, applicants should review the following:

To apply for this exciting opportunity, download and fill out the Expression of Interest form (Word). Send your completed form to the Shuswap Watershed Council staff at the Fraser Basin Council office in Kamloops, by February 21, 2025:

c/o Erin Vieira, SWC Program Manager
E: evieira@fraserbasin.ca

Please quote “SWC Youth Expression of Interest” in the subject line.

Thank you for your interest! Short-listed candidates will be invited to the next Shuswap Watershed Council meeting (see meeting schedule) for a brief introduction and interview.

Vision of the Shuswap Watershed Council

Enhanced water quality that supports human and ecosystem health and the local economy in the Shuswap watershed.

Membership

The SWC is chaired by Rhona Martin.

See the full SWC membership (as of January 1, 2025).

Program Administration and Management

The Fraser Basin Council (FBC), a BC non-profit organization established in 1997, provides staff services to the Shuswap Watershed Council. Healthy watersheds and water resources are a priority area for FBC, which regularly facilitates and supports multi-party collaborative initiatives focused on water issues and other sustainability challenges. There are two staff in FBC’s Kamloops office that manage all of SWC’s programs and initiatives.

Objectives

The SWC’s goals are laid out in the Strategic Plan for 2021-26, as follows:

  1. Water Quality is maintained and improved in the Shuswap for the benefits of a healthy ecosystem, a thriving tourism economy and a desirable lifestyle for residents,
  2. The SWC is the trusted, go-to source for water quality information in the Shuswap,
  3. People in the Shuswap practice safe water-based recreation,
  4. The SWC is a well-governed, transparent, collaborative organization.

Terms of Reference and Statement of Principles

To learn more about the Shuswap Watershed Council, see:

For SWC meeting agendas, summaries and highlights, see SWC Meetings.

For information about the SWC’s work  such as the annual budget, work plan, and annual reports, see SWC Resources.

Interested in learning more on the work of the Shuswap Watershed Council?

Take a look at some of our most Frequently Asked Questions!

Top Banner Photo: Darren Robinson, Shuswap Tourism