Bear Creek reservoir to remain dry until 2026

Local Journalism Initiative
·3 min read

The Bear Creek reservoir will remain dry for another year and may not be filled again until 2026.

Damage to the Bear River Control Structure (BRCS) in Muskoseepi Park was discovered last year.

“Regulatory burdens continue to increase with the operation of the spillway and dam, and that's increasing costs of operations and maintenance,” said Brian Glavin, city chief operating

officer.

The BRCS is owned by the city but is regulated by the province, which considers it a “significant” structure.

City administration recommends only filling the reservoir once repairs are made. Armouring on the structure is used to protect the dam's upstream face from damage resulting from waves and erosion.

The repairs needed are rare, said the city in an email to Town & Country News.

The city has about $900,000 allotted to the repair in its capital budget for 2025.

Glavin said the $900,000 is a placeholder amount because a feasibility study is underway to explore different long-term solutions for the BRCS.

He said the study will determine how much needs to be done to repair the armouring and that costs could be higher or lower.

Work is not expected to begin until 2025 after the council receives the report and public consultation is completed. Additionally, the report will explore options such as re-armouring, rebuilding or removing the structure. If work is completed in 2025, the earliest the reservoir will be filled is 2026.

The city said about $2 million has been used on the control structure over the last five years.

BRCS was built in 1948 to create a drinking water reservoir but in 1968, a water treatment plant was built on the Wapiti River which still supplies the city today.

The reservoir is no longer required for drinking water supply but some residents and councillors enjoy its aesthetics.

“That reservoir to me is one of the most aesthetically pleasing areas of the city; I love walking around there; it's not my neighbourhood, but it is something that I love to have in our city,” said Coun. Grant Berg.

According to a city report, new provincial regulations will require the city to allocate more resources to operating BRCS.

“It is estimated that approximately 150 staff hours per year are required to monitor

and maintain water levels consisting of approximately 40 hours per year within the engineering

department to monitor gate cameras, water level sensors and incoming storm event data,” says the report. “Approximately 110 hours by other staff will be required to adjust gates, which is not currently allocated.”

Coun. Chris Thiessen said the Mighty Peace Watershed Alliance has been approached by organizations which want to reinvest in local waterways.

“There was a proposal that was brought to the watershed for consideration for us to potentially look into areas around the Peace River where we might be able to invest and re-establishing fish habitats; one of the areas that I suggested potentially was the Bear Creek,” said Thiessen.

“If we are considering filling it, (Bear Creek) could be a longer-term solution that could preserve the natural beauty of the park and save us money.”

Coun. Gladys Blackmore said she believes residents with homes near the reservoir should be informed about current plans for the site.

“I feel that we're not providing enough information regarding the reservoir,” she said.

“It would be pertinent at this time to reach out especially as I think most of them are expecting the reservoir to fill this summer.”

Jesse Boily, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Town & Country News

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