SHIM has been adopted and used since 2001 by the Regional District of the Central Okanagan as an ecosystem-based tool for identifying, inventorying and mapping regional watercourses.  The Trepanier Creek and South Slopes SHIM is a continuation of these works and will conclude the mapping exercise for private lands within the RDCO.  Work is also underway on the Bear Creek Sediment Source Survey.

Project Goals

SHIM aims at mapping aquatic habitats and their associated riparian areas. The project involves intense data collection on streams, lakes and wetlands using GPS (Global Positioning System) technology. This data is then easily accessed using a computerized GIS (Geographic Information System) database that provides planners and resource managers with information for making sustainable land use decisions.

What features have been mapped?

Project Status

In 2002, the RDCO completed SHIM mapping for Ellison and in 2003 completed the Westside. The collected information is available at the Development Services Planning Section Front Counter at the RDCO office or visit the Community Mapping Network website.

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Trepanier Creek and South Slopes SHIM
Project Goals

SHIM aims at mapping aquatic habitats and their associated riparian areas. The project involves intense data collection on streams, lakes and wetlands using GPS (Global Positioning System) technology. This data is then easily accessed using a computerized GIS (Geographic Information System) database that provides planners and resource managers with information for making sustainable land use decisions.

Project Status

During the past six years, the Regional District has been working towards a complete inventory of its aquatic resources and sensitive habitats.  With the completion of the update to the Joe Rich Rural Land Use Bylaw and North Westside Official Community Plan (OCP) area, the project is focusing on the remaining areas:  Trepanier Creek and the South Slopes. The collected information is available at the Development Services Planning Section Front Counter at the RDCO office or visit the Community Mapping Network website.

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Bear Creek Sediment Source Survey

In 2007, the Regional District began a mapping project of the Bear Creek (Lambly Creek) watershed in cooperation with the Lakeview Irrigation District and the Okanagan Basin Water Board.

Project Goals

Using similar methods as the SHIM (Sensitive Habitat Inventory Mapping) Bear Creek and three of its major tributaries:  Bald Range, Terrace and North Fork are to be surveyed for erosion and any detrimental conditions leading to reduced water quality.  The data will be used to help improve management of the watershed which has been under continual, increasing pressure from recreational and industrial use.

Project Status

In 2007, a significant portion of the project was completed with Phase 2 scheduled to be conducted during the summer of 2008.  This will include the mapping of Terrace and North Fork creeks and completion of the project.

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