Thank you to all who participated in the survey. I have looked at all the results and read all the feedback. There is quite a range of opinions and thoughts, however I found most to be positive and supportive. One thing I appreciate is trying to find the balance between ‘wants’ and costs. The other perspective is that this structure will be in place for the 50++ years so we do want it to have some appeal to the region for generations to come.
I’ll get back to you with some overall results and themes once I review your input with our key stakeholders (CVRD, Cowichan Tribes, Cowichan Watershed Board and Paper Excellence).
We just awarded the second key piece of work – Cowichan Lake Shoreline Assessment Study. This work will study today’s conditions and model future conditions. We hope to differentiate the impact the new weir would have on the shoreline from the impact of ongoing climate changes. Water levels and shorelines are not static systems – just a few thousand years ago this area was covered in ice! Modelling and assessing are not an exact science but with the latest evidence and best forecasting we will measure what the future will likely show us.
Cowichan River Water Supply 