The continuous state of local emergency in Dawson Creek, B.C., due to the city’s water shortage, was cancelled Friday, Feb. 20, as the stored supply should suffice.
This months-old state of local emergency expired earlier this week, on Feb. 17, and is not being renewed as the city has more than 170 days of stored water available.
“This decision follows a review by the city’s emergency operations team,” said the city in their announcement of the revocation of this SOLE. “The city now has an emergency overland water transfer plan ready, should the Kiskatinaw River water levels drop and pumping from the river become unavailable. This plan can be activated quickly to maintain water service if needed.”
Permitting work to connect the south Peace city to the Peace River is “now underway and will be in place for spring if required” the city continued. The ongoing declaration of a water-related emergency from last October was in place to ensure Dawson Creek received support from the province if the situation worsened.
This move came after last year’s dip in levels at its only water source. Water restrictions will remain in place, at the same level they were raised to this summer.
“All stage three water conservation restrictions are still in effect,” the city said. For residents, this means hot tubs cannot be refilled, and outdoor water usage is limited. The latter is expected to have more of an impact after the spring thaw.
“These restrictions remain critical as the region has experienced early warm temperatures and limited moisture. The city is preparing for the possibility of another dry summer,” according to the announcement. “Response measures will be adjusted if conditions change.”
Since the beginning of 2026 updates provided from the city, and its chief administrative officer, reported water levels as remaining relatively consistent. The last update presented to Dawson Creek city council was on Feb. 9 and staff said withdrawals from the river were intentionally slowed to preserve this supply.
