UPDATE: 10:20 a.m.
Due to flooding in the region, the Okanagan Basin Water Board has postponed this gathering of mayors.
“In light of the current flooding situation facing communities up and down the Okanagan, we have decided to postpone today’s news conference. We hope this will allow mayors to focus on the immediate needs of their residents,” stated the release.
ORIGINAL:
Okanagan mayors will be gathering together on Wednesday to speak with one voice, encouraging residents to conserve water in the face of weather extremes.
The gathering comes as the Okanagan Basin Water Board’s Okanagan WaterWise program, and Okanagan municipalities and water utilities, prepare for the launch of their annual residential outdoor water campaign Make Water Work and at a time the region is under an extreme weather event in recent floods.
“As our thoughts go out to all those touched by recent flooding in the Okanagan, we are also reminded of the extreme weather events seen in our valley and the need for all of us to do our part and prepare,” stated a release from the group.
The mayors of Vernon, Lake Country, West Kelowna, Peachland and Oliver will all be in attendance, as will City of Kelowna Deputy Mayor Coun. Tracy Gray, who is also the chair of the Okanagan Basin Water Board.
A news conference is set for tomorrow morning where Okanagan mayors will challenge each other and their municipalities to take the make water work challenge this summer.
Make Water Work (www.MakeWaterWork.ca) is a valley-wide initiative by local governments and water utilities. Its goal is to increase water awareness, encouraging residents to do their part to conserve and use water more efficiently.
