Taylor polled for new Dawson Creek water pipeline project

FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. — The District of Taylor has been invited to comment on a recent project by the City of Dawson Creek to seek an alternative water source. 

In July, the City of Dawson Creek began seeking an environmental exemption for a project to construct a pipeline from a new water source

The city is seeking “water security” as reports continue to indicate the city’s current water source, the nearby Kiskatinaw River, is not a reliable source of water. 

Specifically, the exemption would allow the city to begin the project without a full environmental impact assessment, which would reduce the amount of time involved with constructing the pipeline. 

The exemption process can take up to 18 months, and according to a letter sent by the  Environmental Assessment Office (EAO), the process has moved to a public comment period. 

Since seeking the exemption, the City of Dawson Creek has ramped up water conservation measures, tapping into reservoirs as the Kiskatinaw River flows lower. 

The letter was included in the September 15th regular council meeting agenda for the District of Taylor. 

According to the letter, the District of Taylor had been identified as a “key contact” for the upcoming environmental assessment of Dawson Creek’s water supply project. 

The comment period extends to local, provincial and federal governments and agencies, First Nations and members of the public. 

Starting on September 23rd and ending on October 23rd at midnight, comments regarding Dawson Creek’s project can be submitted to the EAO.

An in-person open house has also been scheduled at the Co-op Mercer Hall located at #1 300 Highway 2 in Dawson Creek from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. on October 8th, and a virtual information session is planned for October 16th from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. 

To read the EAO’s letter to the District of Taylor, see below.