The Regional District of North Okanagan (RDNO) is pleased to confirm that the Canoe Bay Pump Station project continues to move forward as planned, with substantial completion anticipated in June 2026. Construction activities are nearing the final stages, and the project remains on track to meet its timeline while maintaining a strong focus on environmental and cultural heritage protection and regulatory compliance.
Construction of the new Canoe Bay Pump Station began in April 2025 and is being funded by Frind Winery Ltd. to provide agricultural water service to their development. It will also serve current agricultural customers with untreated water from Okanagan Lake to ensure a sustainable water supply and accommodate additional pumps for future agricultural water needs.
Residents may have noticed a construction area extending from Kin Beach into Okanagan Lake. This in-water structure is a temporary silt curtain designed to protect the surrounding aquatic environment by containing turbidity generated during construction activities, specifically the installation of the new water intake pipe. The silt curtain helps prevent sediment from spreading beyond the work area and is a standard environmental mitigation measure for in-stream construction. Once a final survey of the in-stream works is completed and approved, the silt curtain will be removed shortly thereafter.
All construction work is closely monitored daily. The RDNO has onsite environmental consultants overseeing activities and who are actively involved in monitoring and collaboration throughout the project. This coordinated approach ensures that construction activities are carried out responsibly and in alignment with environmental requirements and Indigenous stewardship values.
Work is now underway on the next phase of the project, which includes the development of a long-term plan for Rocky Mountain Ridged Mussels (RMRM) research, and Habitat restoration at the mouth of Vernon Creek for juvenile salmonids. As part of the habitat restoration efforts, large woody debris will be strategically placed at the mouth of Vernon Creek to help enhance habitat complexity, improve ecosystem resilience, and support long-term aquatic health. These restoration and research initiatives are regulatory requirements associated with the project and will be long-term, continuing well beyond construction completion.
The public is encouraged to visit www.rdno.ca/canoebaypumpstation for ongoing updates, background information, and frequently asked questions. The RDNO thanks the community for their patience during construction and remains committed to completing this essential infrastructure project in a safe, environmentally responsible manner.
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For media inquiries:
Stacey Raftus, Communications Officer
communications@rdno.ca