Alerts
- Alerts
The Alerts below are generated on Alertable.ca
Source: https://alerts.alertable.ca/as/BC6/
Open Fire Prohibitions Now In Effect on Bowen Island
Most open burning activities are now prohibited throughout the Coastal Fire Centre’s jurisdiction, with exceptions for Haida Gwaii. This prohibition is being enacted to help reduce human-caused wildfires and for public safety.
Category 1, Category 2 and Category 3 open fires are prohibited throughout the Coastal Fire Centre’s jurisdiction, with the exception that only Category 2 and Category 3 fires will be prohibited in the Haida Gwaii Forest District (Category 1 campfires will be permitted). This prohibition will be in place until October 31, 2026, or until the order is rescinded.
This means no fires, on either public or private property, at any time, for any reason.
Questions? Contact Bowen Island Fire Rescue on 604-947-9324 or email fire@bimbc.ca.
If you see smoke or are concerned about a fire near you, call 911 immediately.
The Fire Danger Rating on Bowen Island is currently set to MODERATE
Fire Restrictions Based on Danger Rating
Island-Wide Stage 2 Water Use Restrictions
Bowen Island is at Stage 2 water use restrictions effective May 1, 2026, under the Municipality’s newly adopted Water Conservation Bylaw. Stage 2 restrictions will remain in place unless amended to a higher or lower stage based on water supply conditions. More information can be found on the Water Conservation Page.
Questions? Contact Public Works at 604-947-4255 ext. 4 or email water@bimbc.ca.
Cove Bay Water System Water Quality Advisory
For People with Compromised Immune Systems
Cove Bay Water System and Vancouver Coastal Health are reminding users of the ongoing Water Quality Advisory (WQA).
All restaurants and short term rental properties located within the Cove Bay Water System are required by Vancouver Coastal Health to display this notice in a location that is visible to customers and guests. A printable version of this notice can be found here.
Why has a Water Quality Advisory been issued?
Drinking water systems with a surface water source such as a lake or river, including the Cove Bay Water System, are at risk of containing pathogens that can cause illness if untreated. The vast majority of these pathogens, like bacteria and viruses, can be adequately addressed using chlorine disinfection. Some pathogens, such as protozoan parasites, may be present in surface water and are not easily disinfected by chlorine. For this reason, an additional treatment step is required for surface water supplies in British Columbia. Until the new water treatment plant has been fully commissioned, this WQA will continue.
What does a Water Quality Advisory mean?
A Water Quality Advisory means the risk is low; however, certain water users are advised to take extra precautions when ingesting the water.
Who should take extra precautions?
For people with very compromised immune systems (e.g. due to certain cancers and transplant processes), the increased health risks associated with protozoa parasites can have serious implications. This is not a general boil-water advisory for the general public.
What should you do?
Extra precautions for people at higher risk may include boiling water for at least one minute prior to use or obtaining fully treated water from another source. More information is available here: https://www.healthlinkbc.ca/healthlinkbc-files/preventing-water-borne-infections-people-weakened-immune-systems
Questions? Contact Public Works at publicworks@bimbc.ca or at 604-947-4255 ext. 4.
Water Quality Advisory
Bowen Bay, King Edward Bay, Bluewater Park, and Tunstall Bay Water Systems
For People with Compromised Immune Systems
The Bowen Island Municipality and Vancouver Coastal Health are issuing a Water Quality Advisory.
Why has a Water Quality Advisory been issued?
All existing wells in these water systems have completed Ground Water at Risk of Pathogens (GARP) hazard screening and assessments. In recent years, GARP assessments for small water systems have become a requirement by provincial and federal health regulations aimed at protecting public health. They help determine how vulnerable groundwater is to contamination with harmful pathogens.
Most pathogens, such as bacteria and viruses, can be effectively treated with chlorine disinfection. However, some, like protozoan parasites, may not be fully treated with chlorine alone.
The GARP assessments have identified several risk factors for contamination, so additional water treatment is required. Plans for additional treatment are underway. In the meantime, Vancouver Coastal Health recommends that, as a precaution, people with very compromised immune systems may choose to take extra steps to protect their health. Additional measures such as more water testing and targeted chlorination in case of a positive microbiology result are also being taken.
The Water Quality Advisory will remain in effect until the new treatment is fully operational.
What does a Water Quality Advisory mean?
A Water Quality Advisory means the risk is low; however, certain water users at higher risk are advised take extra precautions when ingesting the water.
Who should take extra precautions?
For people with very compromised immune systems (e.g. due to certain cancers and transplant processes), the increased health risks associated with protozoa parasites can have serious implications. This is not a general boil-water advisory for the general public.
What should you do?
Extra precautions for people at higher risk may include boiling water for at least one minute prior to use, or obtaining fully treated water from another source.
More information is available here: https://www.healthlinkbc.ca/healthlinkbc-files/preventing-water-borne-infections-people-weakened-immune-systems.
Questions? Contact Public Works at publicworks@bimbc.ca, 604-947-4255 ext. 4 or check out out the FAQ Page.