A joint agreement to increase water flows in the Cowichan River has resulted in the opening of the Cowichan Lake weir which regulates water flow out of the lake.
From Oct. 27 to 31, Catalyst Paper progressively opened the four control gates and the boat lock structure resulting in increased flow in the Cowichan River according to a Catalyst press release. Decisions of this nature are arrived at jointly and with input from many stakeholders to ensure the protection of the fish and fish habitat. The counting fence near Duncan was removed on Oct. 25. The increased water flows combined with natural storm events can create stronger currents and undertows.
The Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations calls on the public, especially boaters and swimmers, to use extra caution on the Cowichan River. The joint agreement was reached between the federal Department of Fisheries and Oceans, provincial Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations, Cowichan Tribes, Cowichan River Hatchery and Catalyst Paper.