Saltair Water Update
A Smarter, More Affordable Path Forward
Saltair is moving toward a more affordable and sustainable water treatment solution, one that significantly reduces costs while maintaining local control.
A Community Conversation
First, thank you to everyone who came out to the March 8th community meeting. It was great to see such a strong turnout and to have a respectful, thoughtful conversation about something that affects every home in Saltair.
This update is a simple follow-up on where things stand and where we’re headed next.
Why This Is Happening
Saltair’s water comes from Stocking Lake. While the water quality is good, the source is surface water, and Island Health requires filtration to meet modern drinking water standards. This is not optional; it’s a legal requirement. A compliance order has been in place since 2020, and we need to move forward with a solution.
What Changed
For many years, the plan was to build a standalone filtration plant just for Saltair. At the time, it made sense. The community approved borrowing, and grant funding was secured. But as the project moved into detailed design, the reality became much clearer.
Here’s what changed:
● Costs increased significantly
● Technical requirements became more complex
Long-term operating costs rose well beyond expectations. The result:
● $11 – $17 million to build
● $500 – $800 per home, per year to operate
On top of that, the system would still rely on aging infrastructure that would require replacement in the future.
At that point, it became clear: this approach was not sustainable for Saltair.
A Better Path Forward, The Hybrid Model
Instead of building a full treatment plant in Saltair, a new approach is now being advanced. It combines:
● New groundwater wells in Saltair (coming online Spring 2026)
● Treated water from Ladysmith is used only during higher demand
What this means:
● Saltair continues to own and operate its system
● Wells supply most of our everyday water
● Ladysmith provides backup when needed
Cost Comparison at a Glance
Hybrid Approach (Recommended)
● $4 – $5.5 million total cost (mostly grant funded)
● ~$100 – $300 per home, per year
Standalone Plant (Previous Plan)
● $11 – $17 million total cost
● ~$500 – $800 per home, per year
What that means for you:
● Less than half the upfront cost
● Lower yearly costs for households
● Reduced long-term financial risk
● Keeping Local Control
Saltair will continue to:
● Own and operate its water system
● Maintain its share of the dam and Stocking Lake
This approach allows us to meet modern standards without giving up control of our local water system.
Why This Approach Makes Sense
● Lower cost for residents
● Faster timeline to implementation
● Shared infrastructure, reducing financial burden
● More resilience, with two water sources instead of one
It delivers safe, compliant drinking water in a way that is practical and sustainable for our community.
Where Things Stand Today
We are now in the refinement phase. Work underway includes:
● Finalizing an agreement with Ladysmith
● Confirming detailed costs and timelines
● Reviewing funding implications
There are currently restrictions in place tied to Island Health requirements. Once a clear and approved path forward is established, those restrictions can be lifted.
Behind the Scenes
CVRD staff have been working on this file for over three years. Through changing regulations, rising costs, and technical challenges, they have continued to refine options and work toward the best possible outcome for Saltair. This work hasn’t always been visible, but it has been steady, thoughtful, and focused on the community. We are very fortunate to have this level of expertise working on our behalf.
A Strong Neighbour
We are also fortunate to have a neighbour like Ladysmith. The ability to work together, share infrastructure, and support one another is not something every community has. That relationship is a key part of what makes this solution possible.
My Commitment
From the beginning, my focus has been simple:
● Find a solution that works
● Make sure the community is part of the decision
That commitment remains unchanged.
Looking Ahead
This is one of the most important infrastructure decisions Saltair will make. There is no perfect solution—but there is a responsible one. And we’re getting closer to it.
The hybrid approach offers:
● Lower costs
● Lower risk
● Faster delivery
● A more sustainable system
Most importantly, it gets us to compliance while protecting the community from unnecessary financial burden.
Thank you again for your time, your questions, and your continued engagement. If you have questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out.
250-252-6525 | [email protected]
