Colonial Despatches

The basin of the Shuswap River lies northeast of the Okanagan Valley in British Columbia, originating in the central Monashee Mountains. It is the upper part of the drainage better known to British Columbians as belonging to Shuswap Lake and the South Thompson River. The river's drainage basin is over 1,969 square kilometres in area.

The Shuswap River was identified in 1863 as containing extensive placers...which will afford employment, at highly remunerative rates, to a large population.1 The Shuswap River was considered to be among the most valuable and agreeable parts of the colony.2

The Shuswap River is located in the northern Okanagan region. The West Canadian Hydro Electric Corporation built the Wilsey Dam at the Shuswap Falls in 1929.3 In modern times, two hydroelectric dams exist at Shuswap falls.4

• 1. Douglas to Newcastle, 13 November 1863, 12536, CO 60/16, p. 281
• 2. Ibid.
• 3. Shuswap River, Shuswap River, BC Hydro.
• 4. Ibid.