RBC Blue Water Project donates $100,000 to the Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen for the Okanagan Aquatic Invasive Species Prevention Program.

The Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen is pleased to announce that their RBC Blue Water Project Leadership Grant application has received financial support from the Royal Bank of Canada (RBC).

The RBC has confirmed that this year $100,000 in grant funding will be made available to the Regional District in support of the Okanagan Aquatic Invasive Species Prevention Program which will address Quagga and Zebra Mussels. Local RBC branch managers will present the cheque to Mark Pendergraft-RDOS Chair on Thursday, May 21st, 10:45 am at the Regional District offices. They will be joined by valued partners in the program, Dr. Anna Warwick Sears- Executive Director of the Okanagan Basin Water Board, Lisa Scott-Program Manager of the Okanagan and Similkameen Invasive Species Society, Sgt. Jim Beck-BC Conservation Officer Service and RDOS representatives.

“We’re very excited to see the RBC support such an important prevention program,” said RDOS Engineering Technologist Candace Pilling. “The Regional District and partner agencies are committed to helping protect Okanagan Lakes and waterways from invasive aquatics species like Quagga and Zebra Mussels and welcome the RBC as a partner.”

The introduction and invasion of Quagga and Zebra mussels to bodies of water in the United States, and in eastern Canada has been devastating and costly. As these mussels reproduce they degrade aquatic ecosystems to the point of collapse; cover infrastructure hampering a water purveyor’s ability to supply water to residents; infest beaches effecting tourism and community enjoyment; and cause a timely and costly imposition to boaters and recreational users by coating boats, propellers and foul bilges with layers of mussels and their carcasses.

The following video on Quagga/Zebra mussels specifically addresses the impact on the Okanagan should these invaders find their way here.