There are several user groups who would like to see the present weir raised by up to 3 feet. The idea was already turned down by the Cowichan Valley Regional District. But the groups who want to have the decision overturned say that the CVRD failed to take into account climate change and the potential for reduced water supply in the Cowichan Lake basin.
The news article appeared in the February 12, 2008 edition of the
Lake Cowichan Gazette (HnGB4)
From the Lake Cowichan Gazette:
Delegation will be asking CVRD to reconsider raising lake weir
February 12, 2008
A team of heavy hitters is expected to address the Cowichan Valley Regional District this week to ask directors to change their minds about a controversial water management plan.
Specifically, the delegation wants directors to rethink their decision to not raise the weir at Cowichan Lake, a situation that would draw severe and dire consequences to the environment and human health, said the delegation in a letter to the board.
Don McKendrick, vice-president of operations for Crofton, Cowichan Tribes Chief Lydia Hwitsum, Wilf Luedke of Fisheries and Oceans Canada and Joan Hesketh, deputy Minister of Environment will all be on hand Wednesday night to ask the board to support raising the weir at Lake Cowichan, just months after directors voted not to do it.
At its September 12 meeting the board passed a motion to endorse the Cowichan Basin Water Management Plan with the exception of increasing the weir by 30 centimeters or any adjustments or revision of the weir operation rule curve (which refers to water storage).
In its letter to the CVRD, the delegation listed numerous consequences that could arise if the board doesn’t change it’s ruling.
Among the items listed are environmental concerns such as further fish stock declines, low river flows accompanied by high water temperatures and decreased water quality that could threaten the growing recreational use of the river.
The delegation also noted the CVRD decision did not consider the potential impact of climate change and decreased forest cover on the hydrology of the Cowichan Basin.
As well, the letter argues, public health concerns rise during low flow periods when water temperatures rise and dilution of treated effluent declines. “These concerns will increase in the future,” said the missive.
McKendrick said he believes the consequences are real and the delegation is hoping the CVRD will take a leadership role to adopt the entire package of recommendations from the plan task force.
“I think they’ve taken a little more time to soak in what information they were given the first time around, it wasn’t all considered before,” he said.
McKendrick said he understands the concerns of those who live on the lake, many who fear rising waters will dissolve their property, but there is a greater good to be had.
“I’m appreciative and respectful of those opposed, but the overall plan was a process to deal with all the issues that surfaced and to have a methodology to path forward,” the mill boss said. “Yes, there are some people with some legitimate concerns or maybe some concerns they need to understand better and how they can be better remedied or rectified.”
Brooke Hodson, director for Youbou-Meade Creek, voted against raising the weir, but he said it’s just a presentation that’s coming. He doesn’t expect a vote by the board Wednesday night.
He said he, Director Joe Allan and Mayor Jack Peake were planning to hold a public meeting on the issue, but were asked to hold off until the presentation was made.
“Once we hear the presentation, then it’s my plan to consult the public,” said Hodson, who sat on the Cowichan Water Basin Plan committee.
Cobble Hill Director Gerry Giles was one director who voted for the amended plan, but said she’s more than willing to listen to what the delegation has to say.
“Initially I supported the document in its entirety and then after listening to concerns listed by residents (on the lake) I thought there might be an opportunity to work towards improving what was proposed,” she said.
But Giles said she believes the timing of the delegation’s presentation is poor because several directors will not be at the Wednesday meeting because they have committed to a Union of British Columbia Municipalities confab on the mainland.
“The alternate directors will be there, but to listen to something as significant as this I think the members who’ve been there from the onset should be there.”
It is well within the board’s authority to revisit the motion and change it if it sees fit to do so.
With a file from Doug Marner.