08 Dec International Kootenay Lake Board of Control – Information Gathering Session
The International Kootenay Lake Board of Control is holding it’s final public information-gathering session TUESDAY December 9th, from 6-8pm.
This virtual meeting requires pre-registration—please use the link at the bottom of this page to sign up.
The Board, under direction from the International Joint Commission (IJC), is reviewing the 1938 Order of Approval, to consider ways of modernizing the management of Kootenay Lake. Now what is the 1938 Order of Approval? This order sets specific limits on Kootenay Lake water levels throughout the year to protect environmental, social, and economic interests on both the U.S. and Canadian sides of the border.
The purpose of these public engagement sessions is to:
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- Share details about the planned review of the 1938 Order;
- Explain how the current Order works and what could be modernized, and
- Gather your perspectives on what priorities should inform a new Order of Approval.
Why is your voice is important?
Kootenay Lake is a complex, interconnected ecosystem. Water levels influence everything—from sturgeon and wetland habitat to species at risk, shoreline properties, agriculture, navigation, and energy production. Adaptive Management Strategies are essential here: they help decision-makers respond to shifting conditions, new science, and the needs of both people and ecosystems. Your participation helps ensure these updates reflect the full range of community and environmental values.
We strongly encourage everyone who lives, works, or cares about Kootenay Lake to attend. Your input truly helps shape the future of lake management.
To explore how different water-level scenarios affect the lake, the Kootenay Lake Visualization Tool is also available for public use.
If you missed the IKLBC’s presentation in December a recording of the presentation is available.
Additionally, slides from their public presentation are available.
Thank you to Jeffrey Werner for the great photo!
The public is still welcome to provide input to the Kootenay Lake Board of Control until Feb 15, 2026 via the Contact form on its website