The Cowichan River reached record lows in 2022 during drought conditions. Vista File Photo
Environment
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Drought conditions persist on East Vancouver Island, Sunshine Coast

Wylie Henderson
By Wylie Henderson

The B.C. government has published its latest Drought and Water Scarcity Bulletin, with data through Aug. 27.

Locally, East Vancouver Island, from Campbell River through Victoria, and the Sunshine Coast are at Level 2 on the drought severity index, with Level 5 being the most severe.

West Vancouver Island, from Port Hardy to Port Renfrew, remains at Level 0, indicating normal or wetter-than-normal conditions.

The report notes that the east coast of Vancouver Island continues to experience low streamflows, despite slight improvements in the Chemainus River and Koksilah River watersheds following recent precipitation.

However, high water-scarcity conditions in the Koksilah River watershed remain a concern.

“High water scarcity conditions in the Koksilah River watershed continue due to agricultural water needs and environmental flow needs,” said the report.

Forecasters say cooler and more unsettled conditions are expected into early next week, bringing light to moderate precipitation to several areas across the province.

Click here to view the latest report.

– Article includes link to B.C government’s Drought and Water Scarcity Bulletin, August 27, 2026

Wylie Henderson
Wylie Henderson
Wylie is news director for Vancouver Island, bringing more than a decade of broadcast experience to the role. A Vancouver native, he moved to the Island in 2025 with his wife and stepdaughter after a long run on the airwaves in the Kootenays. He is committed to delivering timely, reliable and community-focused news to listeners across the region. A lifelong Vancouver Canucks and B.C. Lions fan, Wylie is just as comfortable breaking down a game as he is breaking down a news story. Away from the newsroom, he can often be found on the golf course, cycling or lacing up his skates for a game of hockey. For Wylie, keeping listeners informed about what matters locally is more than a job, it’s a passion.

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