People are invited to share their input to help guide the development of the Xwulqw'selu (Koksilah) Water and Watershed Sustainability Plan and shape long-term solutions for water supply and ecosystem health.
The province and Cowichan Tribes have launched a survey to gather insights from community members, water users, farmers, industry and other interested parties about their vision for the future of the Koksilah watershed.
The survey asks respondents for their thoughts about local water needs, potential approaches to increase summer water flows and supply, and supports to help people transition to possible new regulations.
The plan is being co-led by Cowichan Tribes and the province, building on several years of engagement with community members, farmers and industry through local advisory tables, such as the Cowichan Tribes Guidance Group and the Collaborative Community Advisory Table.
As one of the first legislated water-planning efforts in B.C., the plan will draw on diverse perspectives to guide actions that balance community, environmental and economic needs in the watershed.
People will also have the opportunity to learn more about the planning process and share their input in person at an open house on Nov. 13 at the Quw'utsun' Cultural and Conference Centre in Duncan.
A series of targeted engagement sessions will be held with key sectors, such as forestry and agriculture, in addition to this engagement opportunity.
All water licensees in the planning area will also receive formal notification and be engaged in this process as required by law.
Feedback gathered from the survey, open house and other engagements will help inform recommendations for inclusion in the plan.
The survey will be available from Sept. 18 until Oct. 31.
To take the survey, visit: https://survey.alchemer-ca.com/s3/50428843/XWSP-Community-Survey-2025
For more information about the upcoming open house and the plan, visit: https://www.koksilahwater.ca/watershed.
