Notices & Restrictions

Water Quality and Restrictions; Outdoor Burning and Fire Conditions

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The objective this September is to replace 4” pipes with 6” pipes, replace leaking valves and upgrade outdated fire hydrants.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

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!

By Juanita Walton, ago

Boil Water Notice

Effective Immediately, Until Further Notice

Please boil your water at a full rolling boil for at least 1 minute.

Water should be boiled for any of the following uses: drinking, food preparation, coffee, brushing teeth, infant formula, ice, washing fruit and vegetables, beer and wine making, canning, etc.

If in doubt boil your water!

Please help us spread the word!

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

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

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