Dawson Creek, B.C., applies for emergency water permits amid historic drought

The City of Dawson Creek says it has applied for permits to bring in emergency water supplies this winter amid historic drought conditions.

The northeast B.C. city remains under a state of local emergency as winter weather threatens to freeze off flows from the nearby Kiskatinaw River, which is at historic lows after years of drought.

The city wants to bring in water from the Peace River, about 50 kilometres away, to help keep the city's reservoirs replenished.

That would require temporary hoses to be placed along local highways, the city says, with pumping operations beginning in early 2026 if and when water is needed.

"With the recent snowfall, flows in the Kiskatinaw River have improved enough to meet the [total city demand] for daily water use. This allows levels in the reservoir