By Times Chronicle Staff
The Town of Osoyoos was named the “Make Water Work 2025 Champion Community,” recognizing residents for taking the most per-capita pledges in the outdoor water conservation campaign organized by the Okanagan Basin Water Board (OBWB).
“Osoyoos is proud to have taken the title for the first time this year,” said Osoyoos Mayor Sue McKortoff. “It shows our community’s commitment to protecting the waters of the Okanagan.
“Armstrong and Oliver certainly made it an exciting competition this year, but we’re glad to be the new reigning champion,” McKortoff said during the announcement at the recent OBWB Annual Meeting in Kelowna on Sept. 5.
“While I will enjoy drinking the wine I bought in case we lost, and drinking it with the cheese Armstrong will now send, I am absolutely delighted to accept this on behalf of Osoyoos,” she said.
McKortoff, who has been a long-time supporter of water conservation issues and member of the OBWB, emphasized that the “Make Water Work” campaign is an important initiative that “must continue” in the valley. “We value water and I think having this campaign shows we are all thinking about it.”
(L-R) OBWB Directors Bob Fleming, Tim Lezard, Victor Cumming and Kevin Kraft, OBWB Executive Director Melissa Tesche, Alt-Director Shirley Fowler, OBWB Chair Blair Ireland presents the Make Water Work 2025 Community Champion certificate to Osoyoos Mayor and OBWB Director Sue McKortoff, OBWB Director Wayne Carson, OBWB Vice Chair Doug Holmes, OBWB Directors Subrina Monteith and Bob Hrasko, and Okanagan Xeriscape Association Executive Director Sigrie Kendrick.
The “Make Water Work, Plant FireSmart” campaign by the OBWB and FireSmart BC has expanded the initiative, encouraging residents in the Okanagan to create not just water-efficient, but also fire-resilient yards.
The campaign helps residents adopt simple practices that conserve water and strengthen the region’s resilience to climate-related challenges. Each year, the OBWB awards a Champion Community title, which Armstrong has won six times in the last decade. Oliver was the 2024 champion.
Although the community champion has been announced, the Take the Pledge campaign continues until Oct. 20, 2025. Residents who pledge by this date will be entered to win one of two $500 gift cards to help WaterWise their yard.
