Hello Texada!  Here are some notes on recent events:

METER PILOT PROGRAM: We have received funding from the Province of BC to cover all costs of installing meters to all connections, including the components needed for automated data collection. An informational community meeting was held on May 22. We have made a new webpage to share information on the project and address any concerns – vananda-id.ca/meter-pilot-project

Some background: The Provincial Government Budget 2024 committed to new measures to help mitigate and better respond to the impacts of climate emergencies. Priority infrastructure projects and programs to decrease flood risks and strengthen drought resiliency were highlighted. This included $50 million for a Water Meter Pilot Program to help fund metering projects in smaller communities throughout BC.

Assistance on planning, purchasing, and implementation is being provided by KWL and Econics.

BURN BAN began May 15; includes burn barrels. New for 2025: campfires for cooking and heat are allowed if under 18” x 18” (45 cm) with hose or pail of water on hand. Our Fire Restrictions webpage has links to the updated Bylaw as well as Coastal Fire Bans and a map with Fire Danger Rating for BC – vananda-id.ca/fire-restrictions/

WATER RESTRICTIONS: Changes made for 2025: Stage 1 began May 15 and Stage 2 begins on Jul 1.

Stage 1 restricts lawn watering to once per week. Stage 2 further restricts lawn watering to one hour a day once per week and washing of outside surfaces to specific situations. Drip irrigation is never restricted. Full detail of restrictions with a chart can be seen at vananda-id.ca/water-restrictions/

DRIP IRRIGATION PARTS: VAID will provide parts at wholesale cost to setup a drip irrigation system. To encourage water conservation, rainwater storage tanks also available at wholesale cost.

CONTACT INFO: Please let us know your concerns! contact@vananda-id.ca – 604-486-7035

NEXT MEETING: The next Regular Board meeting is scheduled for Wednesday June 11 at 1:30pm, upstairs at the Firehall.

FIREFIGHTERS ALWAYS NEEDED! Contact Fire Chief Mark Robert 604-414-9662 or firechief@vananda.ca

WATER EMERGENCY: Water Operator Marianne Segers 1-604-315-1363