Dawson Creek extends ‘state of local emergency’

DAWSON CREEK, B.C. — The city has extended its ‘state of local emergency’ (SOLE) due to the ongoing drought in Dawson Creek. 

On January 9th, the city announced SOLE has been renewed to January 20th. 

The city has been in SOLE since October of last year due to an ongoing drought in the Kiskatinaw River, its water source.  

In October, the city announced it had only 150 days’ water supply left, however this estimate was later increased to 180 days.

Now, the city said it has an estimated 182 days of usable water storage based. However, this number may fluctuate with demand. 

In the post, the city said SOLE helps it act quickly and decisively as conditions change. 

This includes securing access to alternative water sources, coordinating emergency response plans and mobilizing resources if needed. 

To address the water crisis in Dawson Creek, the city is trying to install an overland pumping system to get water from the Peace River. 

This is only a temporary solution while the city tries to get approval for a more permanent pipeline. 

This comes after the city requested for a SOLE renewal on December 23rd until January 6th. 

The city said it has received 24cm of snowfall last week, which is equal to approximately 17mm of moisture, and there is additional snow and rain forecasted. When this melts, it said this will top up the city’s water supply as well. 

The city also reported water is flowing over the weir crest – meaning water flows over the top edge or sill of a law or barrier – at the  Arras Intake on the Kiskatinaw River.

The city said its emergency operations team will continue to request SOLE renewals from the province until permits and agreements are finalized. 

The city is assuring residents it is in a “strong position” for water supply and will continue to monitor the supply to keep it safe and reliable.