Dawson Creek declares local emergency as drought strains city’s water supply

The City of Dawson Creek has declared a state of local emergency in response to a worsening drought that has pushed water reserves to critically low levels.

Mayor Darcy Dober said the measure was necessary after years of conservation efforts could no longer offset the impact of consecutive dry seasons. The declaration allows the city to seek provincial support and resources as it works to identify temporary water sources and protect essential community services.

City officials emphasized that Dawson Creek is not yet out of water but is taking proactive steps to avoid that outcome. The Kiskatinaw River, the community’s sole water source since 1942, is at record-low flow levels. Without new sources, the city could be forced to rely on its stored reservoirs, which hold roughly 150 days of supply.

The municipality said the emergency declaration does not alter its long-term plan to diversify water access through a permanent pipeline and well system connecting to the Peace River. Dober added that the city’s current focus is on short-term emergency measures to ensure sufficient supply through the winter, while advancing infrastructure projects that will prevent similar crises in the future.