William Housty, conservation manager for the Heiltsuk Integrated Resource Management Department, said he has seen pre-spawn mortality before "but never to this degree."High tides and plentiful rain earlier in the season allowed the salmon to enter the river, Housty explained, but the following weeks of drought conditions dried out waterways and prevented the fish from spawning.Meanwhile, the Sunshine Coast Regional District delayed the opening of a local ice rink after the government implemented water restrictions amid concerns there wouldn't be enough for homes, fire protection and the Sechelt Hospital.

Find out when you can water 💦 https://t.co/hfanCF0Rj2 pic.twitter.com/3JnoRZDaB5 —@CityofVancouverEven when the rain returns, Richardson warned the dry conditions could create greater flood risks."The soils have been drying, they become hydrophobic and so when they first get moisture, it takes a while for the moisture to soak in naturally," he said."