City of Dawson Creek Advances Dawson Creek Water Supply System Project

Dawson Creek, BC - The City of Dawson Creek is advancing the Dawson Creek Water Supply System Project, launching the Early Engagement Phase of the project alongside the BC Environmental Assessment Office (EAO). The Early Engagement Phase includes a public comment period, which is open from September 23 to October 23, 2025. It also includes public engagement opportunities for providing feedback. 

Project Overview

The Dawson Creek Water Supply System Project involves building a water line to a new, reliable water source for Dawson Creek and the region. The project proposes the Peace River as the alternative source.

It includes the following core components:

• Water Intake System: Groundwater wells and pipe river intake to withdraw water
• Water Transmission Pipeline: Approximately 52km of pipeline between Taylor, BC and Dawson Creek, BC
• Pumping Stations: Up to two pumping stations - one near the Peace River and another near the Kiskatinaw River 

Why this project is needed

The Kiskatinaw River, Dawson Creek’s current water source, has been severely impacted by drought and low flows. In early 2024, the river nearly stopped flowing, leaving the City dependent on stored reserves. This reinforced the need for a dependable water source to ensure:

• Long-term community water security
• Support for agriculture, business, and industry
• Emergency readiness during drought or fire events
• Reduced stress on the Kiskatinaw watershed

Benefits to the region

• Residential supply: reliable water access for current households and to accommodate future growth
• Agricultural operations: support for irrigation and livestock during dry seasons
• Industrial users: stable water supply to maintain operations and local employment
• Emergency services: improved water availability for firefighting and drought response
• Economic development: greater certainty for businesses considering investment in the region

Where we are in the process

The BC EAO has issued a Section 13 order, which formally begins the Early Engagement phase of the Environmental Assessment process. The City of Dawson Creek is requesting an exemption from the BC EAO from the requirement for an Environmental Assessment Certificate, based on the urgent need for water security and the project’s limited potential for significant adverse effects.

Even if an exemption is granted, engagement will continue as the project design advances and to support secondary permitting processes, such as water licensing and other permits and approvals required by the Project.

How you can participate

The Early Engagement phase is your opportunity to review information, ask questions, and share feedback.

Opportunities include:

• Attend the open house:
  • Wednesday, October 8, 2025 from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM
  • Co-op Mercer Hall, Ovintiv Events Centre
  • #1 300 Hwy 2, Dawson Creek, BC
• Attend the virtual information session:
  • Thursday, October 16, 2025 from 11:30 AM to 1:30 PM
• Complete the public survey available online at engage.eao.gov.bc.ca/DawsonCreek-EE  

All feedback received during the Public Comment Period from September 23 to October 23 will be documented in the Detailed Project Description (DPD) and considered in project planning.

Contact

For more information or to provide input, contact:

City of Dawson Creek

250-219-9809

watersupply@dawsoncreek.ca

www.dawsoncreek.ca/water-supply