Community and Expert Input Drive Next Steps in Water Supply System Project

Dawson Creek, BC — The City of Dawson Creek is actively working to secure a reliable water supply for our community. Guided by valuable input from Indigenous communities, residents, agencies, and technical experts, the City is undertaking more detailed technical work and engagement to determine the best source for new water, how much water is needed, and the most effective way to deliver it to Dawson Creek.

About the Detailed Technical Work

This approach builds on work completed last fall as part of the BC Environmental Assessment Office’s Early Engagement process, which confirmed the urgency of the issue and identified aspects of the project that need more investigation. 

The technical assessment will help identify the following:

• The amount of water our community will require in the future
• Potential water sources
• Required water treatment processes
• Potential routes and infrastructure to deliver water to Dawson Creek
• The costs and challenges associated with each option

We will engage with Indigenous communities, government and regulatory agencies, industry and residents throughout this process to ensure we understand the various needs and requirements before selecting a water source. 

“The Water Supply System Project is focused on creating a long-term and reliable drinking water solution for Dawson Creek and the region. As we move forward, we’re undertaking more technical work and engagement with Indigenous communities, government and regulatory agencies, industry and residents to ensure our decisions are based on evidence and aligned with community values. By better understanding how much water we need, where we can source the water from, and the costs and challenges of each option, we can choose the best path forward for our community’s future.”

- Devon Aaroe, General Manager of Major Infrastructure and Development, City of Dawson Creek

Project Phases

This work to secure a reliable water source will take place over four phases, allowing us to pause, reflect, and adapt as needed to make sure we are taking the right steps and making the best decisions for our community moving forward:

• Phase 1: Preliminary Research & Planning
• Phase 2: Detailed Studies & Analysis
• Phase 3: Source Evaluation
• Phase 4: Implementation Planning
  
  

Status of the Temporary Emergency Overland Water Transfer System

At the same time as the Water Supply System Project, the City is continuing work on the temporary Emergency Overland Water Transfer system to protect the community during severe drought or low river flow under a short-term use approval agreement with the Province of British Columbia. The technical work for this system is progressing so the system can be deployed quickly if needed.

Commitment to Transparency and Next Steps

The City remains committed to transparency and collaboration throughout the project. Further updates will be shared as the technical work progresses.

An update on the Water Supply Project was provided to Council at the March 30 Regular Council Meeting. Find the Report to Council online at dawsoncreek.civicweb.net.

To learn more about the project, visit dawsoncreek.ca/water-supply.

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Media Contact:
Communications Department
communications@dawsoncreek.ca