Texada Water Workshops
Following is information from previous Water Workshops
The third annual Texada Water Works workshop hosted by the Van Anda Improvement District was held on Saturday, October 17 2015 at the T.A.C.T. building. The Van Anda Improvement District would like to thank all of the presenters for making this workshop such a success and to Lafarge – Texada Quarrying Ltd. for sponsoring the lunch and snacks. Thank you also to the Texada Island Inn for catering the event. Lunch was delicious! This year’s theme was Water Conservation in Changing Times. Trustee Karen May opened the workshop welcoming attendees and giving a brief overview of the effects of environmental and climate changes to our water.
Van Anda Fire Chief, Mike Craggs discussed how water shortages effect the ability of the department to fight fire. Please click here to review his presentation.
There were numerous options of rain harvesting discussed. Click this link to find an educational video on how to build your own rain harvesting barrel.
As we all know we experienced an extremely dry summer this year. Summer seemed to start earlier and lasted much longer than we normally would expect. Our lake levels reached record lows, dropping 1/4″ daily at the height of it. In order to be proactive, the Van Anda Improvement District prepared a draft water conservation bylaw. Watering restrictions are intended to ensure that ALL residents receive an adequate supply of water throughout the summer months and that sufficient reserves supplies are available should they be required for emergency fire fighting purposes. Restrictions are implemented in consideration with:
a) water levels in Priest Lake;
b) extended dry and/or drought weather conditions;
c) the need to reduce peak demands on the water system; and
d) operational factors which limits the ability to supply normal water capacity.
The Van Anda Improvement District is reviewing their draft Water Conservation Bylaw along with the Schedule of Restrictions. Please click here to find Stages 1 to 4. Penalties for non compliance are also under consideration. These penalties will be as follows:
1) any person who contravenes a provision in this bylaw, or who suffers or permits any act or thing to be done in contravention of this bylaw, or who refuses, omits, or neglects to fulfill, observe, carry out or perform any duty or obligation imposed in the bylaw is guilty of an offence and:
a) on summary conviction is liable to a fine of not less than $100 and subject to the maximum fines under the Local Government Act and the Offence Act.
2) In the case of a continuing violation, each day that a violation continues to occur shall constitute a separate offence.
Click to view the complete Water Conservation Bylaw.
Freelance writer, editor and proofreader for Viridian Earth Contracts Ltd., Janet Southcott entertained and informed attendees with her animated presentation on Rain Gardens. The idea of slowing down the now faster moving waters to help reduce pollutants and replenish ground water and aquifers was stimulating! Thank you to the Powell River Garden Club for their on the spot contribution to the workshop and to Janet Southcott for stepping in at a moment’s notice. To read more about Janet’s Rain Gardens, please click here.
Where to Install Your Rain Garden
Are you living Water Smart? Take this Home Water Assessment. Reduce your water use and help the environment.
Thank you again to everyone for coming out to learn about water conservation. We appreciate your support! Please see the attached for an evaluation of the day’s events – good and bad!
See you next year!!!!