Lunch & Learn: Agriculture & Water Discussion with the RDCK
- Date: Thursday, January 8, 2026
- Location: Creston Hotel (Jimmy’s Pub)
The Creston Valley is experiencing diminishing water supplies, dry wells, crop losses from heat, flooding, and shifting pest patterns due to milder winters. To prepare for a future with less water, the RDCK is initiating a planning process and we want to hear from producers about your water supply, concerns and ideas. This lunch and discussion with the Kootenay and Boundary Farm Advisors and the RDCK is an opportunity for you to learn more about the Water Sustainability Planning process for the Goat River Watershed and explore how agriculture can help shape next steps.
Format: lunch will be followed a short presentation from Natasha Neumann providing background on watershed systems, followed by a moderated panel discussion where each guest will introduce their work and respond to questions about what they’re seeing, what’s changing, and how we can prepare together.
Agenda
- 11:30 am – 12:00 pm: arrive, coffee, mingle
- 12:00 pm – 12:45 pm: Lunch
- 12:45 pm – 1:00 pm: Welcome
- 1:00 pm – 1:15 pm: opening presentation, Understanding our Watersheds
- 1:15 pm – 2:15 pm: moderated panel discussion with resource people
- 2:15 pm – 2:45 pm: perspectives from the field: open floor to hear from producers
- 3:00 pm: wrap up
Opening Presentation (15 min)
Understanding Our Watersheds – How surface water, groundwater, and land use connect across the Goat Watershed
Natasha Neumann, Research Hydrologist, Ministry of Resource Management.
Moderated Panel Discussion with Resource People (1 hour) each panelist provides a 7-10 minute introduction
- Chris Gainham, RDCK Utility Services Manager (TBC)
Perspective: What RDCK monitoring, research and operations are showing about water availability and system pressures. - Paris Marshall Smith, RDCK Sustainability & Resilience Supervisor
Perspective: How producers can inform next steps in the Water Sustainability Planning process. - Isaac Dekker, yaqan nuʔkiy Watershed Stewardship Coordinator
Perspective: What current research tells us about changing water conditions in the Goat Watershed - Andrew Bennett, Environmental Farm Plan Advisor & Certified Irrigation Designer
Perspective: Opportunities for optimizing on-farm water use, conservation practices, and available funding supports.
- Chris Gainham, RDCK Utility Services Manager (TBC)
We want to hear from you! Guiding questions:
- What are the most important water trends you’re observing in the Creston Valley?
- How do surface and groundwater systems interact with agriculture here?
- What information do producers need most to plan for the future?
- What tools or programs can help farmers adapt and conserve water?
Materials to prepare
