BC’s Sunshine Coast Declares State of Local Emergency As Drought Conditions Worsen
A state of local emergency has been declared in the Sunshine Coast Regional District (SCRD), the District of Sechelt, and the shíshálh Nation to secure water supply for the users of the Chapman Water System within British Columbia. The order affects several large non-essential commercial uses of water including breweries, water bottlers, and non-medical cannabis producers.
The SCRD says that it has secured water supply for the community until early November and that the state of local emergency is a measure to “further secure and expand water supply should there be no significant rainfall on the Sunshine Coast in the coming weeks.“
“We have unfortunately been left with no choice but to order non-essential large commercial users to cease their use of drinking water,” said SCRD Board Chair Darnelda Siegers. “At this time, we must prioritize our water supply for essential use by residents, the Sechelt Hospital and fire protection.”
Non-essential commercial users will need to stop the use of treated drinking water from the Chapman Water System by 11:59 PST on Tuesday, October 18. Other businesses and facilities included in the order are swimming pools, cideries, distilleries, and businesses that involve the transport, processing, cleaning, installation, or repair of concrete, cement, asphalt, gravel, or aggregate.
The Sunshine Coast is among many areas in British Columbia currently experiencing Level 5 drought conditions, the most severe in the province’s classification scale. The past few weeks have been unseasonably hot and dry in the province, and Gibsons and Sechelt in the Sunshine Coast shattered daily heat records last Sunday.
Information for this briefing was found via SCRD, CBC, and the sources and companies mentioned. The author has no securities or affiliations related to this organization. Not a recommendation to buy or sell. Always do additional research and consult a professional before purchasing a security. The author holds no licenses.
