A new pipeline for water may be coming to assist Dawson Creek as its supply dries up and the Peace remains drought ridden.
The public engagement period for the city of Dawson Creek’s water pipeline opens on Tue Sept. 23. Residents of the city are invited to provide feedback on its plan for a stable water source. Their proposal, which was approved to begin its initial planning and consultation phase earlier this month, involves a 52 kilometre pipeline, groundwater wells, and two pumping stations.
According to the city, they will also install groundwater wells and an intake to extract the water from the river and push it towards the pumping station.
The pumping station will, as the name implies, pump the water into the pipeline in south Taylor. From there, the water will travel southbound where it will pass Dawson Creek’s current water source, the Kiskatinaw River – this will be the location of the second station.
A map outlining the path showed the proposed pipeline outside of the urban areas of Taylor and Dawson Creek. The district of Taylor discussed the project at their last council meeting, while it was in early engagement, and were in support of it.
Board chair Leonard Hiebert of the Peace River regional district and the city’s Mayor Darcy Dober described the pipeline as crucial for the entirety of the Peace.
Hiebert emphasized the importance of public support for the project as it is anticipated to go near the property lines in rural land. Comments will be received by the city for one month. The project is considered urgent as Dawson Creek can no longer rely on the Kiskatinaw River.
“In early 2024, the river nearly stopped flowing, leaving the city dependent on stored reserves. This reinforced the need for a dependable water source,” said the city of Dawson Creek.
During the city council’s meeting on Sept. 8, a member of staff told them there is only enough stored water left for 150 days. This short deadline prompted the city to bump their water conservation restrictions up to stage three and further prioritize this pipeline project.
