Image Credit: CSRD

By Aaron Schulze

Shuswap Watershed Council

CSRD residents vote to discontinue Shuswap Watershed Council funding

Feb 5, 2024 | 10:43 AM

SALMON ARM, B.C. — The future of the Shuswap Watershed Council (SWC) appears to be in jeopardy.

In a news release issued Saturday (Feb. 3), the Columbia Shuswap Regional District (CSRD) unveiled preliminary results of a referendum regarding residents paying a parcel tax for the funding of the SWC. The results showed 982 residents voted “no” while 364 voted “yes.”

The SWC is “a non-profit group focused on protecting, maintaining and enhancing water quality and promoting safe recreation in the Shuswap,” according to the district.

In May 2023, the CSRD Board of Directors approved a referendum to determine whether residents will still be charged for the group’s operations. The referendum was set for August that year but was postponed when the North Shuswap and Sorrento areas were hit by massive wildfires. Several communities were evacuated as a result.

The board authorized a one-year extension of the SWC’s service on August 21.

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The CSRD says more detailed information will be provided once the results are made official, which must be completed by the chief election officer by Wednesday (Feb. 7).