Dawson Creek’s ‘state of local emergency’ extended to late December

DAWSON CREEK, B.C. — The City of Dawson Creek’s ‘state of local emergency’ (SOLE) has been renewed for nearly another two weeks as it faces a water crisis.

According to a press release from the city on December 12th, the extension until December 23rd is to “keep response tools active during the drought.”

Declaring SOLE enables Dawson Creek to access provincial support and take emergency measures, including efforts to secure a new temporary water source from the Peace River.

The city first declared a SOLE back in October amid a dwindling water supply. 

It said several successive years of drought have brought its main source of water – the Kiskatinaw River – to record low levels. In October, the city feared there was only 150 days’ supply left – although that estimate did later increase to 180 days due to snowfall. 

The declaration has been extended multiple times since then, including in October, November and earlier this month.

The statement issued on Friday, December 12th reads: “The city team is still able to pump from the Kiskatinaw River and maintain reservoir storage levels.”

The city’s emergency operations team is “continuing to pursue permitting for the approval of the emergency overland water transfer – running a hose along the highway from the Peace River to the Dawson Creek water system.”

Meanwhile, stage three water conservation measures remain in place, limiting outdoor water use by residents.