Fort St. John Mayor addresses water station closure concerns

FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. — Fort St. John Mayor Lilia Hansen says she understands many residents in rural areas near the city have concerns about a planned three-week closure of its bulk water station.

The city announced last week that the station will close on July 3rd for parking lot reconstruction, reopening on the 22nd.

“I understand the upcoming parking lot reconstruction project at the Fort St. John Bulk Water Station has raised concerns,” Mayor Hansen said in a statement released on the afternoon of June 26th. 

“First and foremost, I want to reassure all users that the City has no plans to shut down the Fort St. John Bulk Water Station.”

Hansen went on to say that the facility will still be closing on the 3rd so workers can repave the parking lot but added that the 19-day closure estimate is “conservative,” and that the city is optimistic the closure could be reduced to 14 days, with favourable weather.

Many residents took to social media decrying the closure after it was announced, with some advocating for a partial closure that would allow the facility to stay open.

“Suggestions to shut down only portions of the station were considered,” Hansen said. 

“However, a partial shutdown isn’t feasible due to the scope of work, vehicle movement requirements, and the need to ensure the safety of users and construction staff.”

One individual, named Deborah, wrote to the city voicing her concerns, saying the closure will increase costs and emissions for people who rely on the water station for personal use or to support vegetable gardens in the summer, including those living outside Fort St. John.

Councillor Byron Stewart responded to the letter, saying residents have “other options” and that council was prioritizing Fort St. John residents, adding that he felt the city needed to be more careful about “services provided out of kindness.”

“It’s not like we are making an income from providing this service,” Stewart’s response reads. “We are not.”

Deborah’s letter and Stewart’s response were posted to Facebook by an anonymous user. The response drew outrage from some residents, leading to a response from Councillor Trevor Bolin.

“We are all one region supporting each other locally,” Bolin said. “We live in FSJ, Charlie Lake, North Pine, Taylor, etcetera, but we are all local.”

Hansen echoed similar sentiments, saying the city has a “strong, collaborative relationship” with the Peace River Regional District (PRRD), and that connections between all the communities in the region are a key part of the area’s success.

“For example, the Rural Fire Protection and Mutual Aid Agreements between the City of Fort St. John and the Peace River Regional District bolster the sustainability of the Fort St. John Fire Department and enhance fire protection for everyone,” Hansen said.

“This year alone, our mutual aid agreements have enabled firefighters from Charlie Lake, Taylor, the Fort St. John Airport, and the City to work together effectively in responding to fires.”

Hansen also went on to say that once the parking lot replacement was finished, “software and kiosk upgrades” will be installed at the facility during the week of July 22nd. The facility will stay open during this time.

She ended her statement by acknowledging residents’ frustration at the inconvenience of the water station closing.

“Thank you for your understanding and patience as we improve this vital service.”

To read her full statement, look below.