A Community Water Forum on Fire and Flood: Climate Change & Extreme Weather in the Okanagan

Fire, smoke, flood, drought are becoming a new reality in the Okanagan and across the entire Northern Hemisphere.

Our emergency response systems are being tested like never before with wildfires, flooding and drought increasing in both frequency and intensity.

“BC is one of the last places on the planet where it is still possible to transcend the climate debate and create a better world.” – Bob Sandford, EPCOR Chair in Water Security at the United Nations University.

Experts from the Okanagan Nation Alliance, the Province of BC, UBC Okanagan, the OBWB’s Water Stewardship Council and the community joined in a compelling conversation about what is needed to restore balance in B.C. and create a more sustainable future.

This free event held Wednesday, November 21, 2018 (4:30 – 6:30pm) filled the theatre at the Innovation Centre with over 100 people in attendance.

Video Recording
Media Coverage
Speakers and Panelists
  • Opening Remarks: Richard Armstrong, Syilx Elder, Okanagan Nation Alliance
  • Keynote Presentation: Ray Crampton, District Manager, Okanagan Shuswap Natural Resource District, Province of British Columbia “Addressing the New Normal: 21st Century Disaster Management in B.C.” (Independent Review of the 2017 flood/wildfire seasons and the Government’s Action Plan: Responding to Wildfire and Flood Risks)
  • Expert Panel: 
    • Leif Burge, Adjunct Professor, UBC Okanagan; Senior Associate, Fluvial Geomorphology, Stantec (Flood Response)
    • Ray Crampton, District Manager, Okanagan Shuswap Natural Resource District, Province of British Columbia; Okanagan Basin Water Board (OBWB) Water Stewardship Council Member
    • Cailyn Glasser, Biologist, Okanagan Nation Alliance (Indigenous knowledge; ecosystem restoration)
    • Denise Neilsen, Research Scientist, Summerland Research and Development Centre (retired); Okanagan Basin Water Board (OBWB) Water Stewardship Council Chair (Climate Change Modelling)
    • David Scott, Associate Professor, UBC Okanagan (Effect of Wildfires on Soils)
Links