The City of Dawson Creek has declared a State of Local Emergency (SOLE) due to the ongoing water crisis.
The city announced that the SOLE was issued Tuesday afternoon in response “to a severe and prolonged drought” affecting its only water source, the Kiskatinaw River.
“The state of emergency does not mean the city is out of water, it means the city is acting now to prevent that from happening,” said city officials.
The declaration allows the city to access additional resources and support from the province of British Columbia as it works to secure a temporary supplemental water source and protect essential services.
“Despite years of conservation, careful management, and investment in water infrastructure, the ongoing drought has reached a point where our water supply can no longer meet community needs without emergency action,” said Mayor Darcy Dober. “This declaration ensures we can act quickly to protect residents, businesses, and essential services while we continue our long-term work toward a new sustainable water supply.”
In early September, the city entered Stage 3 Water Conservation Measures, saying it only had about 150 days left of water in storage. These measures will remain in place.
“Overall water consumption must be reduced to make it through the winter months without emergency support from the province,” said the city at the time.
In late September, Mayor Dober told CJDC-TV News the city had to prepare for the worse-case scenario. To do so, the mayor said the short-term plan is to pump water from the Peace River near Taylor into the city’s current reservoir and was forced to ask the province for emergency help to achieve that goal.
The city said SOLE does not affect its long-term Water Supply System Project. The project would draw water from the Peace River, and transport it 52 km to the city in a new pipeline.
The mayor said the pipeline is expected to cost over $100 million, with construction projected to begin in 2027.
The public comment period for the main project’s early engagement phase is open from September 23 to October 23.
The community can participate by attending an Open House Information Session, or a Virtual Information Session. Dates and locations are available on the city website. The city will also engage with Indigenous communities.
