Funding shortfall puts B.C. lakes at risk of invasive mussels [Video]

The fight to keep invasive mussels from damaging B.C. lakes and waterways got some financial support this week, but it falls short of what’s needed, officials say.

On Tuesday it was announced that BC Hydro is supporting the province’s Invasive Mussel Defence Program with a new five-year commitment of annual funding of $900,000 beginning in 2024.

The BC Wildlife Federation, Pacific Salmon Foundation and Habitat Conservation Trust Foundation are also providing a collective contribution of $150,000.

These investments join the province’s core funding and the ongoing contributions provided by the program’s founding partners, which include the Columbia Basin Trust, Columbia Power and FortisBC.

Blair Ireland, the mayor of Lake Country and chair of the Okanagan Water Basin Board, said Thursday that he’s made some rudimentary calculations since the funding announcement and it looks like there’s still going to be a shortfall in the number of inspection stations needed.

“We’re looking at similar numbers to last year and that’s …