Progress Update on Securing Dawson Creek’s Future Water Supply
Dawson Creek, BC — The Water Supply System Project is advancing in a coordinated and structured way to support Dawson Creek’s long-term water supply needs.
Phase 1 of the project was approved by Council in late April 2026, and since then, the project team has progressed multiple workstreams, including demand forecasting, source water investigations, infrastructure planning, regulatory coordination, and engagement.
The work that has been completed so far has provided a clearer understanding of:
- Future water demand
- Potential water supply sources
- Preliminary infrastructure approaches
- Key regulatory consideration
Together, these form a strong foundation for evaluating options as Phase 1 moves forward.
Phase 1 Status
Phase 1 is on track for completion and presentation to Council in mid-August. It will result in a shortlist of viable options, supported by technical analysis, engagement input, and a clear understanding of risks and trade-offs.
Overview of Work Completed to Date
Project Focus (Phase 1)
Phase 1 is focused on confirming demand, identifying supply options, and establishing an evaluation framework. Work is being completed on an accelerated timeline while maintaining a thorough technical approach.
Population Projection and Water Demand
A key part of Phase 1 has been establishing baseline and projected water demand, involving:
- Updated population projections based on growth and land use
- Residential and commercial water demand forecasts
- System capacity review, including peak demand conditions
- Assessment of how demand may change under different growth scenarios
Siting and Routing
The project team has identified and refined potential infrastructure corridors, including:
- Development and application of a siting methodology
- Identification of possible intake locations
- Development of preliminary pipeline routes
- Screening of routes based on environmental, land use, and technical constraints
Initial route options have been developed and are currently being refined. The intake locations selected for further analysis include potential sites on the Peace River, Pine River, and Murray River. Two potential discharge locations have also been identified: the Hansen Reservoir and the South Dawson Reservoir. Both are existing raw water reservoirs located west of the City and already form part of the City’s raw water storage system, allowing the project to leverage existing infrastructure and minimize additional system complexity.
A map identifying the Project Study Area, encompassing the intake locations and routing corridors selected for further evaluation is provided below.
The solutions being evaluated include new intake infrastructure on major river systems and transmission pipelines connecting those sources to the City’s existing raw water storage reservoirs. These are large-scale infrastructure projects that will require careful design, regulatory approvals, and phased implementation.
Engagement
Engagement is a core part of the project and is ongoing with Indigenous communities, regulators, industry, and other interested parties.
Work to date includes:
- Ongoing coordination with regulatory agencies
- Initial meetings with local Indigenous communities
- Presentations to regional governments and Treaty 8 leadership
- Engagement with industry on long-term water needs
Public updates are being shared through the City’s website, social media, and Council reporting.
A formal engagement tracking system is also in place to document input and ensure transparency and accountability.
Introducing the Project’s Guiding Principles
This work is being shaped by the seven guiding principles for water security that were developed by the City of Dawson Creek Council based on what the project team has learned from Indigenous communities, partners, and the community:
- Multi-generational success and long-term security
- Fair and transparent governance
- Water stewardship through system innovation
- Certainty and public control (Access, pricing)
- Consider a regional approach and impacts outside City boundaries
- Financial resilience and risk management
- Resilience and environmental adaptation
Each principle has been designed to support Dawson Creek’s goal of securing a resilient, sustainable water future. These guiding principles form the foundation of the project’s approach to ensuring alignment with shared community and regional partner values.
To learn more about the guiding principles, visit dawsoncreek.ca/water-supply.
Project FAQs
Looking for more information? The project team has developed a Project FAQ to help. You can view it online at dawsoncreek.ca/water-supply.
Looking Ahead
Summer 2026 (Phase 1 Completion)
Work will continue to support evaluation of water supply options, including:
- Raw water sampling at the Peace, Pine, and Murray Rivers
- Refining intake locations and pipeline routes
- Confirming regulatory approval pathways
- Ongoing engagement with key groups
Before Phase 1 is complete, the team will:
- Further assess short-listed options (availability, reliability, treatment, constructability)
- Evaluate options using a structured, City-led process
Stay Informed
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 June 15 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