Sparwood backs watershed board, no funds

Sparwood council gave support in principle to a letter requesting provincial backing for an Elk River Watershed Governance Board, with councillors emphasizing that the district should not be committing money. The discussion took place at the April 21 regular meeting.

Manager of Corporate Services Megan Rawles said the report was before committee to seek direction on a delegation request from Living Lakes Canada.

In December 2025, council received a delegation from Living Lakes Canada and the Elk River Alliance about watershed security in the Elk River watershed.

Rawles said that presentation included outcomes from the Without Water Symposium held in June 2025, which brought together participants to discuss long term water security in the region.

“Following that presentation, council directed staff to bring the delegation’s request back to a future meeting for discussion,” said Rawles.

Living Lakes Canada is asking for council support for a letter to the province of British Columbia. Rawles said the request is focused only on provincial funding, staffing and technical expertise to support establishing the board.

“The letter does not request financial contributions, staffing resources, or binding commitments from the district,” said Rawles. “Municipal participation is contemplated at a governance or advisory level only and would be subject to future council consideration.”

Rawles said the question before committee was whether it wished to support a letter requesting provincial endorsement and resourcing of the proposed governance board.

Mayor David Wilks said he had concerns about creating more bureaucracy but could support the request if there was no district funding involved.

“I always worry that we get bogged down in more bureaucracy,” said Wilks. “However, I will support this as long as there’s no financial commitment from the District of Sparwood.”

Councillor Sam Atwal supported the request, saying the proposal was about collaboration, support and urgency.

“All things that I think are relevant and needed,” said Atwal. “And it looks like they actually have some practical solutions.”

Atwal said the request was not about restricting water use but about ensuring water is protected.

“And what it is, it’s nothing to shut down water, nothing like that. It’s just to really advocate for making sure water is taken care of,” said Atwal. “I’m on board.”

Councillor Amy Cardozo said she was happy to support the request. Councillor Steve Kallies also supported it.

Councillor Chris Nand said he agreed with the mayor’s condition.

“Just like Mayor Wilks said, as long as there’s no financial commitments on our part, I’m all for it,” said Nand.

Council closed the discussion with support for the request.