With the extremely dry conditions, all open burning is prohibited until further notice.
This includes: • Fireworks • Binary exploding targets • Sky lanterns • Wood‑fired hot tubs, pizza ovens, or any wood‑fired device unless vented through a proper flue inside a building and WETT certified • Burn barrels or burn cages • Controlled‑air incinerators • Air‑curtain burners • Carbonizers
Pump Hours Milestone
For the first time on record, our system averaged 13 pump hours per day through July. This is a major operational achievement and reflects both strong system performance and continued conservation efforts across the community. Thank you to everyone who helped make this possible — it’s a milestone worth celebrating.
Leak & Usage Notices
Leak and high‑usage notices are being issued as more meter data comes online. Early responses have already reduced unnecessary demand and prevented several potential service issues. Your cooperation continues to make a real difference.
Meter Project Update
The physical installation portion of the Meter Project is now very close to completion. Final onboarding and activation work continues, with individual customer access expected once Neptune 360 is fully online. We appreciate everyone’s patience as we move into the final stages.
Fire Vigilance
Thank you to all residents for maintaining fire vigilance during ongoing high‑risk conditions. Your awareness and quick reporting help protect the entire community.
Fire Trailer Outfitting
The fire trailer continues to be prepared for rapid response and is currently being outfitted with shelving, hooks, and brackets. Once complete, it will be stocked with a variety of firefighting equipment to support organized and efficient deployment during emergencies. This upgrade will significantly improve readiness.
Volunteer Fire Department Recruitment The Van Anda Volunteer Fire Department is seeking new members. If you’re interested in serving your community and gaining emergency response skills, please reach out to Fire Chief Mark Robert for details.
Contact Info
604‑486‑7035 – contact@vananda-id.ca – vananda-id.ca
WATER EMERGENCY: 1‑672‑882‑9901
Fire Chief Mark Robert – 604‑414‑9662 – firechief@vananda.ca
FIRE EMERGENCY: 9‑1‑1
Fire Danger & Total Burn Ban
Texada Island remains under a complete fire ban due to ongoing high‑risk conditions. Please continue to stay alert and help reduce wildfire risk in our community.
Welcome to Our New Assistant Water Operator
We are pleased to welcome Shawn Rachkowski to the VAID team as Assistant Water Operator. Shawn will be supporting daily operations, system maintenance, and the ongoing meter installation program.
Water Meter Project Update
The meter pilot project remains on track for substantial completion in August. Most meters are installed and Neptune 360 onboarding continues, with additional units being prepared for activation. Individual access to meter data will be available once all meters are online — expected in September, pending final installations and system activation.
Stage 2 Water Restrictions
Stage 2 water restrictions remain in effect, as is typical for this time of year. Limiting outdoor water use helps manage summer demand and protects system capacity during peak season. Thank you to all residents who continue to follow the guidelines.
Thank You for Leak Repairs, Usage Adjustments & Reporting
We appreciate residents who have repaired leaks on private property, adjusted their water use after being notified of high consumption, and reported leaks or other system concerns. These actions make a measurable difference and help maintain reliable service for the whole community.
Volunteer Fire Department Recruitment
The Van Anda Volunteer Fire Department is seeking new members. If you’re interested in serving your community, gaining emergency response skills, and supporting local safety, please reach out to Fire Chief Mark Robert for details.
Contact Info
604 486 7035 – contact@vananda-id.ca – vananda-id.ca – WATER EMERGENCY: 1 672 882 9901
Fire Chief: Mark Robert –604-414-9662 –firechief@vananda.ca – FIRE EMERGENCY: 9-1-1
A watermain leak has been identified on Wall Street. Water will be turned off at the pumphouse while repairs are underway.
Staff are on scene and repair work will begin as soon as possible. We will restore service as quickly as we can and will provide updates when more information is available.
Thank you for your patience.
UPDATED 5.30 pm: The watermain repair on Wall Street has been completed and service is back to normal.
We extend a big thank‑you to Davis Ventures for their fast response and excellent work.
Meter Project Community Meeting Notes
Jun 25, 2026, 4:00 pm at the Legion
Present:
Ron welcomed everyone and reminded the group that the grant covers all project costs. Installs are nearly complete and the project is proceeding well.
Several benefits this project has already delivered:
2027 will be a mock‑billing year. Rates and billing structure are still under discussion. The existing rate model will change from paying for a set volume (with extra charges for exceeding it) to paying for actual metered use.
After the project is complete, owners will pay for the meter in new connections.
Once installed, meters must be activated with a special tool. After activation, details are sent to Neptune to add the meter to the system. Currently, 105 meters are fully online, another 100 are expected online next week, and the remainder by August.
A slide show was presented with anonymized screenshots from the admin system to show how this information can be used to monitor and manage water use.
JS showed the setter, meter, and antenna. The antennas are designed to withstand being driven over, but not to be placed in the middle of the road where heavier traffic occurs.
If vandalism occurs, VAID receives an alert from the software system that detects damage.
A short video was played showing how customers access their data: https://neptunetg.wistia.com/medias/v8ys7iylct
Admin receives leak notifications daily and will alert customers to any new leaks.
SH spoke about billing – more details are in the VAID Meter Project – Report for Community Update Jun 2026
Billing – Key Points
A community member mentioned that several people have comments or concerns but prefer not to attend meetings or reach out directly. If this sounds like you, please get in touch. Your input matters, and we want to hear from you!
Fire Danger and Total Burn Ban
A complete fire ban remains in effect due to Texada Island’s unique conditions. Please stay vigilant and do your part to reduce wildfire risk in our community.
Fire Fighting Equipment Upgrades
We are pleased to share that recent CEPF grant funding has strengthened our wildfire response capacity. New equipment includes an additional forestry pump and portable water tank, wildfire-suited protective gear, as well as hoses, radios, a thermal imaging device, and specialized tools. We have also purchased a cargo trailer that will be stocked with firefighting essentials and ready for rapid deployment when needed. These upgrades support safer and more effective response efforts.
Stage 2 Water Restrictions Begin July 1
Stage 2 water restrictions will take effect starting July 1 to help manage summer demand and protect system capacity. Key measures include:
These steps are necessary to ensure reliable water supply during the high-demand season. Details at vananda-id.ca/water-restrictions/
Water Meter Project
Thank you to everyone who attended the June 25 public meeting on water meter project updates. We appreciate all engagement from the community.
Meeting notes and materials are now available on our website for those who were unable to attend or would like to review the information.
System Improvements and Reduced Usage
We would like to thank residents who have taken action to identify and fix leaks. Your efforts are making a measurable difference.
Following outreach in early June—when water production was nearing system capacity—to four residences with very high usage, overall production dropped by approximately half. This reduction occurred even though the meter installation program is only about halfway complete, highlighting the impact of increased awareness and early monitoring.
Contact Info
604 486 7035 – contact@vananda-id.ca – vananda-id.ca – WATER EMERGENCY: 1 672 882 9901
Fire Chief: Mark Robert –604-414-9662 –firechief@vananda.ca – FIRE EMERGENCY: 9-1-1
Visit our page with the most recent Water Inspection Results
Phone numbers, email addresses, names, mailing address here: Contact Us
Please call Mark Robert – Fire Chief – 604.414.9662 … see Volunteer Firefighter