Dawson Creek council roundup: water supply study, rezoning, and upcoming decisions
The Dawson Creek council meetings held Aug. 10 were agenda-only, with minutes not yet published, so no decisions have been reported. Council next meets Aug. 24 to consider a water supply project phase 2, several zoning bylaws, and land sales.
Water supply study identifies four long-term options
The Committee of the Whole on Aug. 10 received findings from the Phase 1 Feasibility Study for the Dawson Creek Water Supply System Project. The study identified four viable long-term water source options: Kiskatinaw River (status quo), Peace River (Clayhurst), Peace River (Taylor), and Pine River. Murray River and groundwater were not prioritized as primary sources. Average daily water demand is projected to increase from 6,000 m³/day to 10,400 m³/day by 2075. Climate modelling projects a 3°C to 5°C temperature increase by the 2080s, with summer low-flow reductions. No decision was made on a preferred source; a follow-up report with recommendations is expected at the next Regular Council meeting.
Public hearing on fitness centre rezoning
A public hearing was held Aug. 10 to consider changing the land use designation and zoning of 1636 99 Avenue from Light Industrial to General Commercial. The property currently operates under a temporary use permit valid until February 2029. Two bylaws were proposed: OCP Amendment (26-01) Bylaw No. 4639 and Zoning Amendment (26-02) Bylaw No. 4638. An application fee of $2,445.80 was received. Ministry of Transportation and Transit approval is required before third reading due to the property's proximity to a controlled-access highway. Public comments were heard before any decision.
Regular Council Aug. 10 agenda
The Regular Council meeting on Aug. 10 included delegations from the Dawson Creek & District Chamber of Commerce and the Dawson Creek Society for Community Living regarding their 2027 permissive tax exemption applications. Council also received an update on the Nawican Emergency Shelter's complaints and mitigation strategy. Reports included Report No. 26-149 (Actual to Budget Variance for the period ending June 30, 2026) and Report No. 26-151 (2027 Permissive Tax Exemption – Finalizing Participants). The meeting also included third reading of Zoning Amendment (26-01) Bylaw No. 4636, 2026.
Upcoming Aug. 24 Regular Council
The Aug. 24 Regular Council meeting will consider several items, including:
- Water Supply System Project Phase 2 – planning and recommendations (Report 26-145)
- Adoption of Zoning Amendment (26-01) Bylaw No. 4636, 2026
- Third reading and adoption of OCP Amendment (26-01) Bylaw No. 4639 and Zoning Amendment (26-02) Bylaw No. 4638
- Land Sale Bylaw No. 4637 for 632 and 628 106 Avenue, and 1537 96 Avenue
- Nuisance Abatement Cost Recovery Bylaw No. 4643 for first and second reading
Delegations will request proclamations for Craniosynostosis Awareness Month and Literacy Month. The meeting also includes a closed session for labour relations, negotiations, and litigation matters.
Coming up
The next Regular Council meeting is scheduled for Aug. 24. The agenda includes the items listed above. Minutes from the Aug. 10 meetings have not yet been published.