Shuswap Lake Integrated Planning Process (SLIPP)

The Shuswap Lake Integrated Planning (SLIPP) pilot project ran from April 1, 2011 to March 31, 2014. – and is now complete.  This is a summary of the project, together with related resources (see the SLIPP Resource Archive).

Background

In 2006 senior government staff began meeting to address issues of development, water quality and recreation on Shuswap and Mara Lakes. The Shuswap Lake Integrated Planning Process (SLIPP) was subsequently launched with the collaboration and participation of 13 partners representing the four orders of government (Federal, Provincial, Local and First Nations), multiple public agencies and community groups.

SLIPP was created in response to intense pressure on the lakes from increased development, wastewater discharge and conflicting demands on recreational resources. These challenges were set against a complicated regulatory environment where public agencies from every level of government have legal jurisdiction over some aspect of these water bodies and surrounding area.

There was interest among the SLIPP partners to bring land and water use planning and governance issues affecting the Shuswap watershed to a single table. The aim was to have the agencies share information, identify cross-cutting issues, and look for new opportunities to collaborate.

Vision

The vision of SLIPP:

Working together to sustain the health and prosperity of the Shuswap and Mara lakes.

Goals

SLIPP had three goals:

1. Development that respects the environment as well as economic and social interests
2. Water quality that supports public and environmental health
3. Desirable recreation experiences that are safe and sustainable.

Strategic Plan & Pilot Project

In 2008 the SLIPP partners created a strategic plan to support these three goals and to improve communication and coordination among all agencies: Shuswap Lake Integrated Planning Process: Strategic Plan for Shuswap and Mara Lakes.

Early in 2011, local governments in the Shuswap pledged $1 million to a three-year SLIPP pilot project to undertake implementation of the strategic plan.  The pilot project was funded through a three-year financial commitment from the Columbia Shuswap Regional District (CSRD), Thompson-Nicola Regional District (TNRD) and City of Salmon Arm, and a one-year contribution (April 1, 2011 – March 31, 2012) from the District of Sicamous.

By March 2014, SLIPP had implemented most of the goals and strategies set out in the plan.

Key Achievements

Some highlights from the work of SLIPP:

• A unique governance and decision-making structure, involving four local government funders from the Shuswap region, a neighbouring local government, First Nations, BC Ministry of Agriculture, technical agencies with representation from provincial and federal ministries, community watershed organizations and members of the general public
• Inter-agency collaboration on Shuswap watershed issues, leading to improvements in the provincial development application process
• Comprehensive water quality monitoring, analysis and reporting on the lakes and major tributaries
• A review of key recreational management issues in the region and possible management options
• Research and education to support watershed health.

The SLIPP pilot project demonstrated the value of collaboration among the agencies responsible for water, land, wildlife, and public health and safety in the Shuswap, and working with other key interests. The approach has helped break down silos, improve inter-agency communication and undertake work that would otherwise be beyond the capacity of any one body. This is a particularly valuable approach for research, monitoring, education and community volunteerism to support the health of the watershed.

SLIPP Partners

These were the partners in SLIPP:

• BC Ministry of Agriculture
• BC Ministry of Environment, including BC Parks and Conservation Officer Service
• BC Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations
• Columbia Shuswap Regional District (CSRD)
• City of Salmon Arm
• District of Sicamous
• Fisheries and Oceans Canada
• Interior Health Authority
• North Okanagan Regional District
• Royal Canadian Mounted Police
• Shuswap Nation Tribal Council
• Thompson-Nicola Regional District (TNRD)
• Transport Canada.

The Fraser Basin Council (FBC) provided secretariat support for SLIPP from its inception. FBC’s role was extended to include program management in 2013-2014.

Top photo courtesy of Picture BC