The City of Dawson Creek is moving ahead with planning for its long-term water supply as it continues work on its Water Supply System Project.
A report presented at Monday’s council meeting says a raw water sampling program is underway to help assess potential future water sources. City staff say the work is part of a broader effort to evaluate long-term options as conditions on the city’s current system remain a concern.
The update comes after the city returned to Stage 1 water conservation measures on May 25, following improved short-term water conditions.
Dawson Creek has relied on the Kiskatinaw River as its sole water source since 1942. Ongoing drought conditions in recent years led the city to declare a state of local emergency in October 2025, which was later lifted in February when officials said supply was sufficient to carry through the spring.
Despite recent improvements, the city says longer-term risks remain.
The report notes initial routing options for new infrastructure are being refined, with potential intake locations under review on the Peace, Pine and Murray rivers. Two discharge options are also being examined at the Hansen Reservoir and South Dawson Reservoir, both existing parts of the city’s raw water system.
City staff say seasonal sampling will continue to capture changes in water quality and flow, along with further analysis of treatment requirements for each potential source.
General manager of major infrastructure and development Devon Aaroe told council the project is now fully active across technical, regulatory and engagement workstreams.
The updated forecasts now extends 25 to 50 years into the future, helping guide long-term planning as the first phase of the project will focus on three key questions- future demand, viable water sources and delivery options.
“This phase is about narrowing the field and shortlisting,” Aaroe said.
“Moving into phase two is going to require more funding, it’s going to require deeper analysis and multi-year planning toward design and construction.”
Phase 1 is expected to wrap up in mid-August, when staff will bring forward a shortlist of options that includes preliminary costs, risks and trade-offs.
