PRRD extends contract as search for new water source in Rose Prairie continues

FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. — The regional district is extending a contract to explore alternative water sources for the potable water station in Rose Prairie. 

During the January 8th meeting of the Peace River Regional District (PRRD) board of directors, a contract extension for the Rose Prairie Potable Water Facility was approved.

The facility was originally scheduled to be opened in February 2021, however due to the presence of explosive levels of gas detected in the air of the treatment storage tank and well casing,the facility was recommended for closure by the Electoral Area Directors Committee later that year. 

The contract with Tetra Tech Canada was awarded in 2021 to oversee drilling and sampling of exploratory wells in Rose Prairie to locate an alternative water source. 

The board also approved a drilling and testing program in May 2024, creating a contract with Carbon Mountain which was extended in September 2025. 

As of June 2025, four wells have been drilled, three of which have been decommissioned, and the Tetra contract has gone over its value. 

According to the staff report, the Tetra contract was intended to cover the estimated field days being used to oversee the drilling and sampling program. 

“Delays were incurred due to weather and drilling delays requiring additional contract value to cover the remaining scope of work, including pump testing and reporting,” the report stated. 

Following the board’s vote of approval, the contract increased in value by $30,000, bringing the total cost up from $252,552 to $282,553, and extended the conclusion date to June 20th, 2026. 

In 2024, the PRRD made a funding commitment of $407,000 of Peace River Agreement funds towards upgrades to the Rose Prairie Water Station. As of December 30th 2025, the remaining balance of this funding is $123,642.29, meaning the regional district has room for adjustments without committing more money to the project.