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Watershed work celebrated by Cowichan Tribes, partners
The watershed restoration work along the Cowichan and Koksilah rivers was celebrated on June 3 at Cowichan Tribes’ Clem Clem Longhouse, where the two rivers meet.
The area on Tzouhalem Road has undergone three significant flooding events in the last two years, and was one of the focal points of the $3-million in provincial funding for the restoration work.
Cowichan Tribes, the Cowichan Valley Regional District and Crofton’s Catalyst mill also signed a memorandum of understanding at the celebration to work together to ensure that a long-term water supply for the region is achieved.
“This is an important opportunity to demonstrate recognition and respect for Cowichan jurisdiction and leadership,” said Cowichan Tribes Chief Lydia Hwitsum.
“This level of investment, collaboration and shared decision making is crucial. I am thankful for the investments that have been made by all partners. We must continue this level of collaboration and recognition, as we face climate change and seek meaningful reconciliation with each other as well as our natural systems that support us.”
As for the MOU between Cowichan Tribes, CVRD and Catalyst, Kate Miller, the CVRD’s manager of environmental services, said the three organizations have been informally managing the water in the Cowichan River for years, and are looking to determine what the future governance model should look like.
“Now the two local governments and the company will get together directly to discuss this,” she said.