Progress Update on Dawson Creek’s Future Water Supply
Dawson Creek, BC — The City of Dawson Creek is continuing to advance planning for a reliable and resilient long-term water supply.
The Phase 1 Feasibility Study is now substantially complete and has provided a stronger understanding of future water demand, climate resilience considerations, potential water sources, routing options, high-level estimated project costs, and implementation considerations. The study identified several water supply alternatives that may warrant further consideration as the City plans for future water security.
A Phased Approach to Moving Forward
At the August 24 Regular Council Meeting, Council approved the next phase of work for the Water Supply System Project. Following the completion of the Phase 1 Feasibility Study, the project will advance through a phased approach that balances continued progress with engagement, regulatory discussions, partnership exploration, and funding readiness activities.
The next phases of work include:
- Phase 2A: Engagement and Project Definition
- Continue engagement with Indigenous communities, residents, interest holders, regulators, and government agencies
- Explore partnership opportunities and future funding options
- Improve understanding of regulatory requirements and approval pathways
- Refine project objectives and strengthen the City's readiness for future funding opportunities
- Provide Council with information to help guide future project decisions
- Phase 2B: Technical Investigations and Analysis
- Build on the engagement, partnerships, and project definition work completed during Phase 2A
- Undertake more detailed technical studies and field investigations
- Complete environmental, routing and land-related investigations
- Further evaluate and compare the remaining water supply alternatives
- Continue engagement activities as project planning advances
This approach allows the City to continue making progress while ensuring future decisions are informed by community input, regulatory requirements, partnership opportunities and funding considerations.
Engagement Remains a Priority
Engagement has been an important part of the project since the beginning. Throughout Phase 1, the City followed an Interested Party Communications and Engagement Plan and an Indigenous Engagement and Collaboration Plan to support information sharing, relationship building, and discussions with Indigenous communities, agencies, interest holders and the public.
With the feasibility work now complete, the City is better positioned to have informed conversations about future water supply options, regulatory requirements, partnership opportunities and long-term project direction.
Looking Ahead
The Water Supply System Project remains in the planning stage, and no preferred water supply solution or route has been selected.
Upon completion of Phase 2A, staff will report back to Council with engagement findings, regulatory updates, funding-readiness outcomes, and recommendations regarding future project direction. Council will then determine whether to proceed with Phase 2B and the next stage of technical investigations.
As the project advances, the City will continue exploring opportunities to strengthen relationships with senior levels of government and position the project for future external funding opportunities. The City remains committed to a transparent, collaborative, and responsible process as it works toward securing a sustainable water supply for current and future generations.
Stay Informed
As the project moves forward, the City remains committed to keeping residents informed and providing opportunities for the community to stay engaged in discussions about Dawson Creek's long-term water security.
An update on the Water Supply Project following the completion of the Phase 1 Feasibility Study was provided to Council at the August 24 Regular Council Meeting. Find the Report to Council online at dawsoncreek.civicweb.net or watch the meeting recording on the City of Dawson Creek Facebook page.
To learn more about the project, visit dawsoncreek.ca/water-supply.
-30-
Media Contact:
Communications Department
communications@dawsoncreek.ca