Goat River Watershed Sustainability Planning

Water Sustainability in the Goat River Watershed

The Regional District of Central Kootenay (RDCK) in collaboration with yaqan nuʔkiy, is doing water sustainability planning to respond to growing concerns about water availability in the Goat River Watershed (includes the communities of Canyon, Erikson, Kitchener, Lister, Town of Creston, West Creston, Wynndel, and yaqan nuʔkiy). This effort aims to protect the health and resilience of the local watersheds that support communities, ecosystems, and economies.

This page will keep you informed about the project’s progress and provide opportunities to participate through surveys, conversations, and events. Your input will help shape a locally grounded approach to watershed sustainability that reflects the values and needs of the region.

Scroll down to take our "Water Values Survey."

The Engagement Approach

This work is grounded in Ktunaxa values, including ʔakxamis q̓api qapsin (all living beings), ʔukiniⱡwitiyaⱡa (many people working with one heart), and ʔit̓qawxawiȼikimik (everyone holds this belief together). It reflects a shared commitment to respectful relationships, deep listening, and collaborative solutions that consider both Indigenous and local knowledge systems.

We’re inviting the public, interest groups, and local leaders to take part in a series of conversations, campaigns, and storytelling activities. Engagement will unfold over four phases:

Phase 1: Listening and Learning—Survey open now!
We begin by opening a space for reflection and dialogue. A public survey invites you to share how you feel about the state of water and your personal observations. The goal is to listen and learn from a wide range of experiences and voices.

Phase 2: Exploring the Big Picture
We will create and share educational tools that will help us understand key issues and trends. More details to come.

Phase 3: Imagining the Future Together
We will use storytelling and visuals to explore what’s possible. More details to come.

Phase 4: From Awareness to Action
Find ways to stay involved and support local solutions. More details to come.

This work is being done with yaqan nuʔkiy and guided by community input throughout. Check back here for updates, tools, and opportunities to get involved, because the future of water is something we all care for together.

Background

All beings in the region are increasingly affected by the impacts and pressures on water systems. In recent years, the area has experienced diminishing water supplies, dry wells, crop losses from heat, flooding, and shifting pest patterns due to milder winters.

In May 2024, yaqan nuʔkiy and the RDCK sent a letter to the Ministry of Water, Land and Resource Stewardship (WLRS) requesting support for this work and expressing interest in creating a Water Sustainability Plan. WLRS responded with support, recognizing the need for a new, collaborative approach to watershed stewardship in the valley.