Reports to Council: February 24, 2026

At the February 24, 2026, Regular Council meeting, Council took several coordinated steps to strengthen the District’s approach to Water Security. Council advanced a preliminary shortlist of long-term water supply options for further technical review and engagement, repealed the Limits to Growth Policy, and gave first, second, and third readings to amendments to the Water Utility Bylaw.

The shortlisted source water options include expansion of the Ahkmahksis Reservoir, development of a new surface water supply from Kennedy Lake, and development of a groundwater supply from the Lost Shoe Creek Aquifer. These options will now undergo further technical analysis, continued engagement with Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation, and future public engagement before Council selects a preferred long-term solution.

Council also repealed the Limits to Growth Policy and strengthened the Water Utility Bylaw to ensure water connection decisions clearly reflect system capacity. Together, these actions transition the District from a policy to an embedded operational and regulatory framework that continues to manage development responsibly while planning for long-term water resilience.

Watch the presentations below beginning at the 1-hour 9-minute mark.