Notices & Restrictions

Water Quality and Restrictions; Outdoor Burning and Fire Conditions

Open Burn Ban May 15 to October 15

Understanding the Open Burn Ban

As of May 15, 2026, 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: Dave Beech * chief@gilliesbayvfd.ca * 604-414-5121

By Juanita Walton, ago

Water Conservation Issues

July 2025. 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.

By Juanita Walton, ago

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

By Juanita Walton, ago

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
By Juanita Walton, ago