Xwulqw’selu (Koksilah) Watershed and Water Sustainability Plan
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Survey is open until March 15
Overview
Dates: September 18, 2025 to March 15, 2026
Who: Joint Cowichan Tribes and Ministry of Water, Land and Resource Stewardship
What: Xwulqw’selu (Koksilah) Watershed and Water Sustainability Plan
Where: Near Duncan, Vancouver Island
Why: To understand community values and the watershed’s challenges
How: Online
Engagement summary
The Koksilah River, Xwulqw’selu Sta’lo’, Watershed (the Watershed) is located south of Duncan on Vancouver Island and lies within the traditional territories of Cowichan Tribes, Malahat Nation and other First Nations.
The Xwulqw’selu Watershed features prominently in Quw’utsun origin stories and is central to the culture and identity of Quw’utsun Mustimuhw (Cowichan people). It supports multiple species of fish, vital ecosystems, Indigenous and local food security, and sustains the diverse livelihoods of residents and businesses. In recent years, the Watershed has experienced serious climate-related challenges, including extreme low flows in the summer and flooding in the winter.
Learn more about the background of this Watershed and this project.
The joint Cowichan Tribes-B.C. planning team continues to engage with First Nations, stakeholders, and advisory groups to share information and gather input. An open house for broader public engagement on the planning process is scheduled for March 11, 2026. More information can be found at www.koksilahwater.ca
This survey is part of the Xwulqw’selu (Koksilah) Watershed and Water Sustainability Plan process; a joint effort led by Cowichan Tribes and the Province of B.C. to restore and protect the health of the Xwulqw’selu (Koksilah) watershed. This work is being done for all those who call the Watershed home, now and into the future.
How your contribution makes a difference
The project’s Planning Team is preparing to draft recommendations for the Xwulqw’selu (Koksilah) Watershed and Water Sustainability Plan (XWWSP), and we want to hear from you!
This survey is about informing those recommendations that could become part of the XWWSP. Your feedback will influence which options are considered, how potential future regulations are designed, and how to address community needs.
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