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Development makes waves on Okanagan

There are concerns that development is negatively impacting the region’s largest lake.
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Concerns are rising over the impact development is having on Okanagan Lake.

There are concerns that development is negatively impacting the region’s largest lake.

The Okanagan Basin Water Board has received a report on inventory mapping along Okanagan Lake and the primary focus was to compare the current situation with 2010.

“We want to look at degradation because of development,” said director Juliette Cunningham.

“There is an impact on habitat and a very real loss of species.”

However, the challenge is that responsibilities around lakeshore development ultimately rest with federal and provincial authorities.

“We’d like to see local government take more control in their areas over development,” said Cunningham.

In another matter, OBWB has been updated into studies looking at high nitrate levels in the Hullcar aquifer in Spallumcheen,

Six studies are underway and two should be completed in December.

“There should be a lot of information coming forward,” said director Doug Dirk.

While many residents insist the nitrate levels are related to dairy farms, the Ministry of Environment has indicated that the source has not been determined yet.