News

Stay Informed – Invitation to Meetings

Gillies Bay Improvement District is YOUR Community.

If you want to understand what the issues are, how we make our decisions, and want to give your input, come to a meeting!

Next Water Quality Meeting

June 10 at 11:00 am at the Firehall

Next Finance & Governance Meeting

June 11 at 4:30 pm at the Firehall

Next Board of Trustees Meeting

June 17 at 4:30 at the Firehall

By Juanita Walton, ago

Water Quality Advisory Remains

Water Quality Advisory

A Water Quality Advisory remains in effect for immune-compromised individuals who should continue to boil their water for any of the following uses: drinking, food preparation, coffee, brushing teeth, infant formula, ice, washing fruit and vegetables, beer and wine making, and canning, and pets.

Gillies Bay Improvement District will stay on a Water Quality Advisory until such time as there is a secondary filtration system, in addition to the current chlorination, put in place.

We are conducting an experimental Sand Filtration Project, with some promising results.

Water Quality Advisory vs. Boil Water Notice

A Boil Water Advisory is a recommendation rather than a mandate; it suggests that residents boil their water as a precautionary measure due to potential contamination risks, but it may not confirm that the water is unsafe.

In contrast, a Boil Water Notice is a formal communication issued by water authorities indicating that the water supply is contaminated or potentially unsafe for consumption, and that individuals should boil water before using it for drinking, cooking, or brushing teeth.

Both alerts aim to protect public health, but the notice typically denotes a more urgent and confirmed threat to water safety.

For more information,  check out the links below:

What-to-Do-During-a-Boil-Water-Notice-General  

What is Turbidity

 

 

 

By Juanita Walton, ago

Open Burn Ban May 15 to October 15

Understanding the Open Burn Ban

As of May 15, 2025, Gillies Bay Improvement District implements an open burn ban due to heightened fire risks associated with dry conditions and seasonal weather patterns. This ban is a critical measure aimed at protecting our community, wildlife, and natural resources from the devastating impacts of wildfires.

Reasons for the Ban

  1. Texada Island: Experiences drier conditions than the mainland, resulting in a longer duration for our fire ban.
  2. Increased Fire Risk: Dry vegetation and high winds can quickly escalate small flames into uncontrollable wildfires. The ban helps mitigate this risk.
  3. Protection of Air Quality: Open burning can contribute to poor air quality, releasing harmful pollutants and particulates that can affect health.
  4. Wildlife Preservation: Fires can destroy habitats, threatening local wildlife and biodiversity.

What Does the Ban Entail?

  • Restrictions on Open Flames: Individuals are prohibited from burning yard waste, debris, or any other materials outdoors.
  • Restrictions on Burn Barrels: Individuals are prohibited from burning in burn barrels.

What about Campfires?

  1. Campfires are currently permitted within the Gillies Bay Fire Protection District until BC Wildfire Service decides to implement a total fire ban for the province.
  2. The camp fire must be for cooking or heat.
  3. The camp fire must be under 18 inched by 18 inches.
  4. You must have a water source already available before you start your fire!

    Gillies Bay Village Residents:

    If you hear the fire siren, please shut off any open taps until the fire emergency has been rectified.

    For more information:

    Fire Chief: Mike Corcoran * chief@gilliesbayvfd.ca * 604-414-5121

    By Juanita Walton, ago