Regional District of North Okanagan seeks emergency ministerial meeting

The Regional District of North Okanagan maintains its commitment to investigating all available solutions and advocating for support for the agricultural community. That includes hoping for an emergency meeting with [...]

Regional District of North Okanagan seeks emergency ministerial meeting Published 6:00 pm Monday, July 13, 2026 The Regional District of North Okanagan maintains its commitment to investigating all available solutions and advocating for support for the agricultural community. That includes hoping for an emergency meeting with Victoria.

RDNO is continuing its response to ongoing drought conditions and limited water supplies affecting agricultural users of Greater Vernon Water (GVW). In a release issued late Monday afternoon, July 13, RDNO said some agricultural users have now reached their full seasonal water allocation, and the regional district is working to implement orderly agricultural water service shut-offs in accordance with GVW’s agricultural water allocation requirements. The RDNO is also encouraging the agricultural community to explore water allocation transfers.

Farm-classified properties may transfer all or part of their remaining allocation to another farm-classified property. Partial transfers are permitted, and allocations may be divided between one or more eligible properties. “Farmers who exceed their allocation are not drawing from a separate reserve”, said Bob Fleming, chair of the Greater Vernon Advisory Committee.

“The water available in the reservoir has already been allocated among agricultural users. “When one user exceeds their allocation, it directly affects what remains available to others. Given the limited supply, it is absolutely essential that all users stay within their allocated volumes.”

Fleming has also been in contact with Vernon-Lumby MLA Harwinder Sandhu seeking assistance in organizing an urgent meeting with the Ministry of Agriculture, and the Ministry of Water, Land, and Natural Resources, which is responsible for water management. “The purpose of the meeting is to discuss immediate and long-term solutions to regional water supply challenges, including opportunities to access additional water sources for emergency purposes,” said Fleming. “Confirmation from provincial partners is pending.”

The RDNO thanks agricultural producers, residents, and businesses for their continued conservation efforts, patience, and understanding as the region navigates ongoing drought conditions.