The City of Dawson Creek has not renewed the State of Local Emergency (SOLE) as it continues efforts to address the ongoing drought affecting its water supply.
The city let the declaration expire on February 17th because it currently has more than 170 days of water in storage, which city officials say is enough to carry the community through the spring.
The city now has an emergency overland water transfer plan ready, should the Kiskatinaw River water levels drop and pumping from the river become unavailable.
City officials say that the plan can be activated quickly to maintain water service if needed. The declaration was originally put in place on October 13, 2025, to permit for emergency measures.
The city said that permitting work is now underway and will be in place for the spring, if required.
All Stage 3 water conservation restrictions are still in effect. This includes:
- No hauling of bulk water for non-potable use in hydraulic fracturing operations in oil and gas industries, including but not limited to the following activities:
- Filling of C-ring ponds;
- Dugouts; or
- Any water storage facility for the purpose of hydraulic fracturing.
- No re-filling of hot tubs.
- Ongoing limits on outdoor water use, which will affect the community more directly in the warmer months
These restrictions remain critical as the region has experienced early warm temperatures and limited moisture. The City is preparing for the possibility of another dry summer.