The Sechelt Indian Band (SIB) and Sunshine Coast Regional District (SCRD) have officially renewed their joint management agreement for another five years to protect and mutually watch over the Chapman Creek and Gray Creek watersheds.
The watersheds provide the Sunshine Coast with the majority of its drinking water needs and are within the Band's traditional territory.
"The renewal of the watershed agreement sends a message to the provincial government that the SIB and SCRD will continue to collectively work toward gaining the authority to manage the source of our water supply," said SCRD board chair Garry Nohr in a news release.
According to the SCRD news release, the agreement states that a committee of three SCRD directors and three Band councillors will make recommendations to the SCRD board and Band council on the management of the watershed, on the creation of laws and bylaws surrounding the watershed, and on future changes that may be necessary to this agreement.
"The agreement is significant not just for the local community but also for the whole province," said Nohr.
-Submitted by SCRD communications