Dawson Creek is moving into the next stage of planning for a long-term water supply, with city council approving further work on the project.
The decision follows the completion of the first phase of a feasibility study, which examined future water demand, climate resilience, potential water sources, routing options and high-level project costs.
The study identified several possible water supply alternatives for further consideration, but the city said no preferred water source or route has been selected.
At its Aug. 24 regular meeting, council approved moving ahead with Phase 2A of the Water Supply System Project.
That phase will focus on engagement and project definition, including discussions with Indigenous communities, residents, regulators, government agencies and other interest holders.
The city will also explore potential partnerships and future funding opportunities while working to better understand regulatory requirements and approval processes.
The goal is to gather more information before council makes decisions about which options should move forward.
Phase 2B would involve more detailed technical work, including environmental, routing and land-related investigations, as well as further evaluation of the remaining water supply alternatives.
However, that work won’t begin immediately.
Once Phase 2A is complete, city staff will return to council with findings from the engagement process, regulatory updates, funding-readiness information and recommendations for the project’s next steps.
Council will then decide whether to proceed with Phase 2B.
The city said engagement has been a key part of the project since the beginning, with plans in place for Indigenous engagement and collaboration, as well as communication with the public and other interested parties.
With the first phase of the feasibility study now substantially complete, the city says it is in a better position to have informed conversations about potential water sources, regulatory requirements and partnerships.
The project remains in the planning stage as Dawson Creek looks at options to secure a reliable and resilient water supply for current and future generations.
The city said it will continue providing opportunities for residents to stay informed and participate as planning moves forward.
