Let’s Talk Water
First, thank you to all the residents who showed up to the Saltair Community Meeting on October 4th, including Ian Morrison, Director for Area F, who emceed the event, Stephani Higginson, MLA for Ladysmith Oceanside, and Mayor of Ladysmith Deena Beeston. At the meeting, I mentioned developments regarding our dam and water treatment.
I want to provide you with a clear update on the important work being done on our Saltair Water System. Several major projects are underway to ensure our Water is safe, reliable, and sustainable for the future.
A Brief History: Stocking Lake Dam
The Stocking Lake Dam has been central to Saltair and Ladysmith’s history for over a century. Built in 1902, it began as a small structure designed to secure a water supply for a booming coal town established by James Dunsmuir in 1898. The dam met the basic needs of a fast-growing population and supported industrial expansion. In the late 1960s, the dam was significantly raised from a weir to a dam, transforming it into the 23-hectare reservoir today. This expansion increased storage capacity to over 2 million cubic meters and permanently altered the surrounding ecosystem. From its beginnings as a colonial utility to its role as a shared water source, Stocking Lake Dam embodies a century of shifting priorities.
Stocking Lake Dam Reconstruction
The Stocking Lake Dam, which we co-own with the Town of Ladysmith, has reached the end of its functional life and needs a complete replacement to meet modern safety standards. Design work for a new dam is already underway. The project cost will be shared 50/50 with Ladysmith, and I’m pleased to report that the CVRD’s entire $2.6 million share is being paid for by the Growing Communities Fund, not from property taxes. As part of this process, we are also completing an Environmental Flow Needs assessment to ensure we protect Stocking Lake’s and Stocking Creek’s ecological health.
Water System Distribution Upgrades
We are continuing our 15-year capital renewal program (ending in 2027) to replace aging watermains throughout our community. This work is primarily funded by the approximately $350 parcel tax allocated annually from each Saltair Water System property, supplemented by Community Works Funds (gas tax) that I allocate and any operating budget surpluses. Since 2013, we have invested approximately $3.9 million into these vital replacements. Crews will be working on projects on Valdon Road, Porter Road, and Chemainus Road (between Southin and Olsen Roads) in 2025.
New Groundwater Wells
I have exciting news: two new groundwater wells are currently being connected to the Saltair system. Once operational, these wells will provide a significant new source of Water, adding up to 600 cubic metres per day. This new source will significantly improve our system’s resilience, especially during dry spells, and reduce our reliance on surface water. It is expected to provide up to 30% of our peak summer demand and up to 100% of our average winter demand. This Water is also of higher quality with lower organic content, which is excellent for the system.
Water Treatment Compliance: Reassessing Our Path Forward
Reassessing our path forward is the most complex piece of our water strategy, and I want to be transparent about where we are. While our drinking water meets all provincial quality standards, our system does not meet Island Health’s specific objectives for treating surface water.
Before I was elected, the CVRD had plans to build a new, standalone water treatment plant. However, during the detailed design phase, several major issues emerged, including significant increases in capital costs and long-term operational concerns. These issues would have placed an essential and lasting financial burden on Saltair residents. As a result, we made the financially responsible decision to pause that specific project and reassess the best path forward.
We are returning to the three original strategies we shared with the community, but with new information on costs and technology. Our options include a Standalone Treatment Plant, though we are re-examining whether alternative technologies can effectively meet Island Health’s objectives. We are also strongly reconsidering Shared Treatment with Ladysmith; given our partnership, treating our Water at Ladysmith’s existing plant could be a highly efficient solution, and Saltair would still own and operate its system. Finally, our new Groundwater Supply, while likely not a complete solution on its own, will be crucial in any future treatment plan.
I know the community is eager for progress. The CVRD remains committed to delivering a final solution that meets all regulatory requirements while being fiscally responsible, technically sound, and environmentally sustainable.
