Water Conservation Issues

It has come to our attention that some property owners are using more water than seems necessary during the dry, summer months.

Excessive use of water increases turbidity in the water, affecting our ability to go off Boil Water Notice. It also wastes costly chlorine as it gets used up on lawns instead of being used for our drinking water.

We ask that you reconsider your summer water use by reducing lawn watering as well as washing boats and cars less often. Hand watering gardens and fruit trees has been shown to be the most effective way to help them survive. Remember to water gardens only in the early morning or in the evening.

The Board of Trustees is currently reviewing our water use bylaws. If you have ideas that you wish us to consider, please email us your comments and/or ideas at admin@gillies-bay.ca.

Planned Water System Upgrade

We are pleased to announce a 5-year plan to upgrade our water system beginning this September 8 – 19.

The purpose of this project is to improve water flow and pressure throughout the system, for residential use, as well as for fire suppression.

The objective this September is to replace 4” pipes with 6” pipes, replace leaking valves and upgrade outdated fire hydrants. Our intention is to work in sections in order to minimize disruption to the whole system.

Water will need to be shut off in your section for a period of time while the crew is at work. You will be notified ahead of time before the work begins in your section

Please email us at admin@gillies-bay.ca to let us know if there have been any changes to your contact information or if you are uncertain if we have them.

The following are the addresses and lots where work is planned to take place this September:

Section 1: Sanderson Road
Lots 4977, 4966, 4952, 4922, 4914, 28, 29, 30, 31

Section 2: Sanderson Road
Lots 4863, 4856, 4852, 4828, 4826, 4816, 4810, 4791, 4790, 4787, 4778, 4771, 4766, 4765, 4747, 4746, 4742, 4737, 4724, 4710, 3451

Section 3: Balsam Street
Lots 3271, 4822, 4827, 4828, 4847, 4850

Section 4: Cedar Street
Lots 3126, 3176, 4820, 3167, 4843, 3207, 4836, 4846

Total Fire Ban July 17 – October 15

As the fire conditions are currently high, all burning on Texada Island is banned beginning Thursday July 17.

This means no campfires are allowed anywhere on the island!

This ban applies to all recreational and camping areas: Shelter Point, Bella Maria, Shingle Beach and Bob’s Lake.

Included in this ban are:

  • Sky lanterns
  • Wood-fired hot tubs, pizza ovens, and similar wood-fired devices (unless inside a building with a proper chimney)
  • Exploding targets
  • Fireworks
  • Burn barrels or cages
  • Air curtain burners and similar equipment

Propane campfires and BBQs are still allowed.

Please follow these regulations and use common sense to help prevent wildfires and keep everyone safe!

Water Restrictions June 15 – September 15

In Gillies Bay, we are surrounded by water and enjoy a temperate climate marked by winters rich in rainfall. This abundance may cause us to forget that water is a valuable resource requiring responsible management. As we enter the hot, dry season, we urge residents to remain diligent in their water conservation efforts.

This is especially critical during the summer months when water becomes essential for fire suppression.

As the summer progresses and Cranby Lake levels drop, the rising turbidity can compromise our ability to avoid a Boil Water Notice.

Water Restriction Practices:
  • Watering is permitted between: 5:00 – 9:00 am and 5:00 – 9:00 pm
  • Hand watering is the most effective water conservation practice
  • No overnight sprinkling!
  • Consider becoming comfortable with a brown lawn. Since we live in a drought-prone area, it should be the norm.
If water is flowing onto the road, you are using too much water!
Read the KWL Water Report: GBID Water Conservation Plan

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