PRRD to collect feedback on Rose Prairie Water Station project plagued by issues

ROSE PRAIRIE, B.C. — The Peace River Regional District (PRRD) is collecting feedback from Area B residents regarding the Rose Prairie Water Station project after years of issues and delays.

The district is hosting an in-person community meeting about the project at 12401 256 Road in Montney on March 26th from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m.

According to the announcement, the goal of the meeting is to “discuss updates on the [project] and gather community feedback for the next steps.”

The district claims it is “actively seeking solutions” to provide residents in the Rose Prairie region with safe, reliable drinking water. 

The water station was meant to open in February of 2021, but after explosive gas and low oxygen levels were discovered in the water supply, the facility was shuttered and has remained closed since.

Early last year, the district began efforts to drill new wells in search of a new water supply, with mixed results.

Two potential well sites were deemed “unsuitable.” A third seemed promising, but the results of drilling were reportedly “inconclusive” due to complications during the development process.

A fourth well has been recommended to the PRRD, but the district wants to collect community feedback before making a decision regarding whether to resume drilling.

Grant funding supports the drilling program, so residents’ taxes won’t change regardless of which decision is made.

In addition to the in-person meeting, an online survey is also being conducted to collect feedback from residents.

The survey is available to fill out until April 2nd.