The key recommendation of the 2018 Water Use Plan for Cowichan Lake and Cowichan River is to construct a new weir with an increase of 70 cm of elevation above the existing weir. In July 2021, the final design of the new weir was completed. A condition of the key recommendation is that an assessment be done of the potential impacts to the Cowichan Lake shoreline due to storing water earlier and at a higher level than has been done historically. The Property View Tool helps to visualize the various lake elevation information at a property level. It is a Geographic Information System (GIS) online tool in which we can compare the information gathered to date on top of aerial photography.
1. Watch the video below to learn how to use the Property View Tool. Click on the image to play the video.
2. Click the link below to access the Property View Tool, using any lakeshore address.
For a refresher on the terms used in the Property View Tool, see the infographic or video below.
Watch the video below of a section from the July 8 2021 Project Update in which we presented the terms. Click on the image to play the video.
Need help?
Cowichan Watershed Board staff are available to set up an appointment (no cost) to walk you through the tool for your address. Fill in the contact us field here and someone will email or phone you back.
The assessment shows very little to no increase in flood risk depending on the property and the location of the principal residence on the property. The definition of flooding is whether or not the lake reaches the principal residence’s foundation. Our analysis shows the mean annual flood level will be approx. 2.5 inches higher with the new weir and may affect 6 additional homes.
The next step is to find out which organization will be taking the new water license (est. 2022/23). Then they would apply (est. late 2023) to the Ministry of Forests Water Manager for the license and at that point all property owners would be notified of the actual proposal. Once notified, each owner will have the opportunity to highlight their individual unique property issues, including mitigation, with the Water Manger prior to the license being issued.
Just wondering when affected landowners can expect to hear about mitigation to prevent flooding of there properties now that the shoreline assesment is done
Just wondering when the affected home owners can expect to hear of a plan for mitigation from the potential liabilities associated with the project.