The International Kootenay Lake Board of Control is inviting residents on both sides of the Canada-U.S. border to weigh in on decisions that affect lake levels, flooding risks and water management in the Kootenay region.
The board will hold two public meetings next week to provide updates on current lake conditions, operations at Corra Linn Dam and a coming review of the rules governing water management on Kootenay Lake.
The first meeting will take place Tuesday, June 2, from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. PT at the Prestige Lakeside Resort in Nelson. A second meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, June 3, from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. PDT at the Best Western Kootenai River Inn in Bonners Ferry, Idaho.
Board members will outline how water levels are regulated under the International Joint Commission’s orders of approval and explain the planned review of the 1938 order that governs operation of the Corra Linn Dam.
The review could help shape future water-level management decisions affecting shoreline property owners, boaters, fish habitat, tourism operators and communities around Kootenay Lake.
The board will also present its draft Order Review Plan of Study and seek public feedback during both meetings.
A draft report is expected by the end of June 2026, followed by a 30-day public comment period.
The board said the meetings are separate from ongoing studies related to water pollution in the Elk-Kootenai watershed.
Residents unable to attend in person can participate online through Microsoft Teams. Registration is available for both meetings, while in-person attendees may sign in at the door.
The board is encouraging people to submit questions in advance through an online contact form, although questions will also be accepted during the meetings.
More information is available at ijc.org/klbc.
