DAWSON CREEK, B.C. - Residents hoping to see aquatic vegetation removed from Charlie Lake and Swan Lake may have to wait another year.
The Peace River Regional District is proposing to delay the launch of its aquatic vegetation harvesting program until 2028 as it works through funding, procurement and regulatory requirements.
A report heading to the Regional Board recommends the district apply to the Ministry of Water, Land and Resource Stewardship for extensions to existing aquatic harvester approvals for both lakes, moving the approvals from 2027-2028 to 2028-2029.
The program is intended to address excessive aquatic vegetation in Charlie Lake and Swan Lake through mechanical harvesting, a process that uses specialized equipment to cut and remove plants from the water.
According to the PRRD, residents and community groups have raised concerns that vegetation growth is affecting swimming and boating, creating safety issues and impacting the appearance of the lakes.
Funding and planning still required
The Regional Board approved a business case for the harvesting program in February 2026, with the original goal of beginning operations in the summer of 2027.
However, staff say a key legislative requirement, a Regional Parks Conversion Bylaw allowing aquatic harvesting activities to be funded through the Regional Parks service, was not adopted until August 2026.
While that bylaw is now in place, staff say significant work remains before harvesting can begin.
According to the report, the district must still develop a funding model, secure budget approval, determine equipment and fleet requirements, identify staffing and training needs, coordinate environmental oversight and meet regulatory requirements before the program can move forward.
Under the proposed timeline, 2027 would be dedicated to budget development, funding approval and program planning, followed by procurement and operational preparation.
The first harvesting season would then take place in the third quarter of 2028.
No budget approved yet
The report also notes a program budget has not yet been approved and will need to be included in the PRRD’s 2027-2031 financial plan.
Potential funding sources identified in the business case include grants through the Peace River Agreement or Community Works Gas Tax funding for equipment purchases, along with support through the Regional Parks requisition.
Staff say delaying implementation will reduce the risk of committing to major purchases and contracts before the program’s long-term operational requirements have been fully established.
Harvesting limited to approved areas
The PRRD’s Aquatic Vegetation Management Plan notes that provincial approvals currently apply only to specific harvesting locations within Charlie Lake and Swan Lake and not the entire lakes.
Following the first harvesting season, staff plan to review program performance, gather community feedback and assess future permit and budget requirements.
The recommendations will be considered by the Regional Board during its review of the proposed implementation plan.