Consultation opens on new Dawson Creek water supply project

DAWSON CREEK, B.C. — The City of Dawson Creek is now seeking public feedback on its Water Supply System project.

The city is pursuing a new water supply system after years of challenges with the Kiskatinaw River, its current source.

According to the city, low flows and drought conditions have left the river increasingly unreliable, resulting in conservation measures.

The proposed project would construct a new intake system on the Peace River and a 52-kilometre transmission pipeline running from Taylor to Dawson Creek, along with pumping stations to move water through the system.

As part of the project, Dawson Creek has applied to the B.C. Environmental Assessment Office (EAO) for an exemption from a full environmental assessment certificate, citing the urgent need for water security.

While the exemption could shorten the timeline, the process still requires public engagement before moving forward.

The early engagement phase, launched on September 23rd, includes a month-long public comment period ending October 23rd.

During this time, local governments, First Nations, agencies and the public can review project information and submit feedback to the EAO.

Last week, the District of Taylor was invited to comment on the project by the EAO, being identified as a “key contact.”

Opportunities for public input include an in-person open house, which will be held on October 8th, from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Co-op Mercer Hall in the Ovintiv Events Centre.

There will also be a virtual information session on October 16th, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and an online survey, available from now until October 23rd.

Feedback gathered during this phase will be later documented in Dawson Creek’s detailed project description and used to shape project planning and permitting.

For more information on the Water Supply System project, visit the City of Dawson Creek’s website.