Friends of Kootenay Lake Stewardship Society is preparing to host the final session in its series of free Shoreline Homeowner Workshops, giving residents and property owners practical guidance on protecting the ecological health of Kootenay Lake.
The final workshop is scheduled for Sunday, September 27, 2026, from 4 p.m. to 5:45 p.m. at Nelson United Church. A virtual option will also be available for people throughout the Kootenay Lake region who were unable to attend earlier sessions in their communities.
The Friends of Kootenay Lake Stewardship Society, or FoKLSS, is delivering the workshop in collaboration with Kootenay Lake Partnership and yaqan nukiy. The series is funded by the Real Estate Foundation of BC.
Shoreline Workshop Focuses on Practical Stewardship
The event forms part of the Kootenay Lake Shoreline Stewardship Outreach Project, an initiative designed to help homeowners, recreational users and other community members understand how their activities can contribute to the long-term health of the lake.
Organizers say the workshops are intended to provide practical and accessible techniques rather than requiring participants to have previous environmental or technical expertise. Sessions cover the ecological role of shorelines and steps property owners can take to maintain healthier waterfront areas.
Kootenay Lake is an important environmental and economic resource for communities across southeastern British Columbia. The lake and its surrounding areas support recreation, tourism, local businesses, wildlife habitat and community activities.
Healthy shorelines play a significant role in maintaining those functions. Natural shoreline areas can provide habitat for wildlife and aquatic species while supporting broader ecological processes around the lake.
Cultural Importance of Kootenay Lake Shorelines
The shoreline also carries cultural importance for the Ktunaxa people, whose connection with the region stretches back thousands of years.
By working with yaqan nukiy and other regional partners, the stewardship project is seeking to incorporate community participation and Indigenous perspectives into broader efforts to protect Kootenay Lake.
The final workshop follows previous sessions held around the region, including an August 12 event in Crawford Bay. Organizers are offering the Nelson session online as well as in person to expand access for residents who could not participate in earlier workshops.
No previous knowledge or experience is required to participate. The program has been structured to be accessible to anyone interested in learning more about shoreline health and stewardship.
Outreach Project Reaches More Than 2,000 Kootenay Lake Residents
The homeowner workshops represent one component of a wider public education initiative being carried out around Kootenay Lake.
As part of the Kootenay Lake Shoreline Stewardship Outreach Project, information has been mailed to more than 2,000 residents in communities surrounding the lake. The broader effort is intended to increase awareness of shoreline management and provide residents with information they can use when making decisions about waterfront properties and recreational activities.
Short Film to Highlight Regional Stewardship Practices
The project also includes production of a short film highlighting stewardship practices by yaqan nukiy as well as stories from people who live in the Kootenay Lake region.
The combination of workshops, educational materials and storytelling is intended to make information about lake stewardship available to a wider audience and encourage greater community involvement in protecting the shoreline.
FoKLSS operates as an inclusive stewardship organization focused on sustaining the health of Kootenay Lake for future generations. Its work includes environmental monitoring, habitat restoration, community capacity building and efforts to involve local communities, First Nations and other stakeholders in stewardship activities.
The organization also provides a central point for lakeside communities to exchange information and collaborate on issues affecting Kootenay Lake. Its activities include workshops, monitoring indicators of lake health and assisting community members with the development and implementation of projects aimed at protecting or improving the lake.
With the Nelson event marking the final Shoreline Homeowner Workshop in the current series, organizers are encouraging residents from across the region to participate either in person or virtually and learn practical approaches to maintaining healthy shorelines around Kootenay Lake.