By Spencer Hall, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, RMG
The Village of McBride extended its state of local emergency due to drought on Tuesday, September 26th until further notice and postponed its open house meant to give residents more insight into the need for water usage restrictions.
McBride Economic Development Officer Karen Dubé said the open house had to be rescheduled due to illness and will now be held on Thursday, October 12th at 7:00pm at the Robson Valley Community Centre.
Dubé added water usage restrictions remain in place. Under the restrictions — which went into effect as
of September 20th — lawn and garden sprinkling, outdoor hand watering and drip irrigation is not permitted. Residents are also to refrain from washing their vehicles, building exteriors, driveways, and
sidewalks.
Bulk water use, such as filling swimming pools, hot tubs, garden ponds, and fountains is also not permitted.
On September 14th, the province raised the drought level in the Robson Valley to level 5 — the highest level on the scale.
The Village declared a local state of emergency on September 19th after issuing an Urgent Need for Water Conservation News Release on July 11th and a water conservation notice on May 17th.
As of September 28th, water usage in McBride has remained below the Village’s targeted daily use since
September 21st — one day after the municipality implemented its water usage restrictions.
