Victoria, BC– The Capital Regional District (CRD) is developing a watershed management plan to improve the water quality Elk/Beaver Lake and protect the environmental health of the lake system.

Studies show the water quality of Elk/Beaver Lake is deteriorating. High nutrient levels have contributed to algae blooms, increased invasive aquatic plant growth, low dissolved oxygen levels, and decreasing water clarity. Many levels of government are involved in the lake and are working collaboratively to address the water quality issues.

Work done by the CRD, in partnership with an intergovernmental working group (IWG), has confirmed that the primary source of issues in the lake is the high level of nutrients coming from both external and internal sources. A watershed management plan is being developed to address external sources of nutrients that enter the lake from urban development, septic systems, and agriculture in the surrounding area.

Public engagement is a key part of developing the CRD’s watershed management plan for Elk/Beaver Lake. The CRD welcomes feedback from residents and interest groups on this work. There are three ways for capital region residents to learn more and participate in the development of the Elk/Beaver Lake watershed management plan:

• Online at www.crd.bc.ca/elkbeaver
• In person at an information session event:
  • Wednesday, July 31 at the Greek Community Hall (4648 Elk Lake Drive)
  • Open house: 5:30-7pm
  • Presentation: 7-8pm
• In person by participating in a workshop later this summer. Dates, details and registration to follow.

Following the initial public engagement, a draft watershed management plan will be made public later in 2019, along with the opportunity to provide feedback on the plan. Feedback received will be shared with the CRD Board to inform decisions about a final watershed management plan.

The internal source of nutrients – that have built up in the lake sediments – will be addressed through a separate in-lake remediation plan currently underway.

For more information, please visit www.crd.bc.ca/elkbeaver.

Proud to be recognized as one of BC’s Top Employers and Canada’s Greenest Employers, the CRD delivers regional, sub-regional and local services to 13 municipalities and three electoral areas on southern Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands. Governed by a 24-member Board of Directors, the CRD works collaboratively with First Nations and all levels of government to enable sustainable growth, foster community well-being, and develop cost-effective infrastructure while continuing to provide core services to residents throughout the region. Visit us online at www.crd.bc.ca.

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For media inquiries, please contact:
Andy Orr, Senior Manager
CRD Corporate Communications
Tel: 250.360.3229
Cell: 250.216.5492