Newsletter Oct 2026

Newsletter Oct 2026

Fire Restrictions Remain in Effect

Seasonal fire restrictions within the Improvement District remain in place until October 15. Backyard burning, refuse burning, and similar activities are not permitted. Small campfires are currently permitted unless a provincial fire prohibition or local total fire ban is issued. Thank you to everyone for continuing to follow these requirements and helping reduce wildfire risk in our community.

Noticeable Results from Leak & Usage Notices

As more water meters come online, the benefits of improved monitoring are becoming clear. With 150 of the community’s 238 meters now fully activated and providing hourly data, leak and high-usage notices have resulted in a reduction of approximately 26,660 US gallons (101 m³) per day. This is a significant achievement considering the community’s average daily water production during August was 76,665 US gallons (290 m³) per day. Thank you to all residents who responded promptly to notices and took steps to address leaks or unusual water use. Your efforts are helping conserve water, extend system capacity, and improve overall reliability.

Water Restrictions Lifted

Seasonal water restrictions ended September 30. These rules apply at all times:

  • Fix leaks and don’t let taps, hoses, or appliances run unnecessarily.
  • Use only the amount of water needed for the task — avoid over‑watering lawns and gardens.
  • Hoses must have an automatic shut‑off nozzle.
  • Vehicles, boats, windows, and outdoor surfaces may only be washed using a container or a hose with a shut‑off nozzle.

Meter Project Update

Activation of several remaining meters was delayed due to seasonal cellular network congestion. Initial meter activation requires a strong and consistent signal, which was not always available during peak summer demand. Conditions have now improved, and the remaining meters are expected to be fully online within the next few weeks. We appreciate everyone’s patience as this important project moves toward completion.

Volunteer Fire Department Recruitment

The Van Anda Volunteer Fire Department continues to seek new members. Maintaining a strong volunteer roster is important not only for emergency response but also for supporting the community’s fire protection rating, which can influence home insurance costs. If you are interested in serving your community, learning valuable emergency response skills, and becoming part of a dedicated team, please contact Fire Chief Mark Robert for more information.

Contact Info

604‑486‑7035 – contact@vananda-id.ca – vananda-id.ca

WATER EMERGENCY: 1‑672‑882‑9901

Fire Chief Mark Robert – 604‑414‑9662 – firechief@vananda.ca

FIRE EMERGENCY: 9‑1‑1

Total Burning Ban Lifted – Seasonal Fire Restrictions Remain in Effect

Total Burning Ban Lifted – Seasonal Fire Restrictions Remain in Effect

The Van Anda Improvement District advises residents that the Total Burning Ban has now been lifted.

The District has returned to the annual seasonal fire restrictions that are in effect each year from May 15 to October 15.

What this means:

  • The temporary Total Burning Ban, which included campfires, is no longer in effect.
  • The annual Open Air Burning Ban remains in effect until October 15.
  • Open air burning, backyard burning, and the use of burn barrels or incinerators are still prohibited.
  • Residents should continue to check current provincial fire restrictions before lighting any campfire.
  • Campfires must follow BC Wildfire regulations, including size limits (max 18″ x 18″).
  • All fire activities must comply with local bylaws and any applicable BC wildfire restrictions.

Although conditions have improved, residents are reminded to exercise extreme caution and help reduce wildfire risk in our community.

Newsletter Sep 2026

Newsletter Sep 2026

Pump Hours Milestone

For the first time on record, our system averaged 13 pump hours per day through July. This is a major operational achievement and reflects both strong system performance and continued conservation efforts across the community. Thank you to everyone who helped make this possible — it’s a milestone worth celebrating.

Leak & Usage Notices

Leak and high‑usage notices are being issued as more meter data comes online. Early responses have already reduced unnecessary demand and prevented several potential service issues. Your cooperation continues to make a real difference.

Meter Project Update

The physical installation portion of the Meter Project is now very close to completion. Final onboarding and activation work continues, with individual customer access expected once Neptune 360 is fully online. We appreciate everyone’s patience as we move into the final stages.

Fire Vigilance

Thank you to all residents for maintaining fire vigilance during ongoing high‑risk conditions. Your awareness and quick reporting help protect the entire community.

Fire Trailer Outfitting

The fire trailer continues to be prepared for rapid response and is currently being outfitted with shelving, hooks, and brackets. Once complete, it will be stocked with a variety of firefighting equipment to support organized and efficient deployment during emergencies. This upgrade will significantly improve readiness.

Volunteer Fire Department Recruitment The Van Anda Volunteer Fire Department is seeking new members. If you’re interested in serving your community and gaining emergency response skills, please reach out to Fire Chief Mark Robert for details.

Contact Info

604‑486‑7035 – contact@vananda-id.ca – vananda-id.ca

WATER EMERGENCY: 1‑672‑882‑9901

Fire Chief Mark Robert – 604‑414‑9662 – firechief@vananda.ca

FIRE EMERGENCY: 9‑1‑1

Newsletter Aug 2026

Newsletter Aug 2026

Fire Danger & Total Burn Ban

Texada Island remains under a complete fire ban due to ongoing high‑risk conditions. Please continue to stay alert and help reduce wildfire risk in our community.

Welcome to Our New Assistant Water Operator

We are pleased to welcome Shawn Rachkowski to the VAID team as Assistant Water Operator. Shawn will be supporting daily operations, system maintenance, and the ongoing meter installation program.

Water Meter Project Update

The meter pilot project remains on track for substantial completion in August. Most meters are installed and Neptune 360 onboarding continues, with additional units being prepared for activation. Individual access to meter data will be available once all meters are online — expected in September, pending final installations and system activation.

Stage 2 Water Restrictions

Stage 2 water restrictions remain in effect, as is typical for this time of year. Limiting outdoor water use helps manage summer demand and protects system capacity during peak season. Thank you to all residents who continue to follow the guidelines.

Thank You for Leak Repairs, Usage Adjustments & Reporting

We appreciate residents who have repaired leaks on private property, adjusted their water use after being notified of high consumption, and reported leaks or other system concerns. These actions make a measurable difference and help maintain reliable service for the whole community.

Volunteer Fire Department Recruitment

The Van Anda Volunteer Fire Department is seeking new members. If you’re interested in serving your community, gaining emergency response skills, and supporting local safety, please reach out to Fire Chief Mark Robert for details.

Contact Info

604 486 7035 – contact@vananda-id.ca – vananda-id.ca – WATER EMERGENCY: 1 672 882 9901

Fire Chief: Mark Robert –604-414-9662 –firechief@vananda.ca – FIRE EMERGENCY: 9-1-1

Watermain Leak – Wall Street

Watermain Leak – Wall Street

A watermain leak has been identified on Wall Street. Water will be turned off at the pumphouse while repairs are underway.

Staff are on scene and repair work will begin as soon as possible. We will restore service as quickly as we can and will provide updates when more information is available.

Thank you for your patience.

UPDATED 5.30 pm: The watermain repair on Wall Street has been completed and service is back to normal.
We extend a big thank‑you to Davis Ventures for their fast response and excellent work.

Water Inspection Results

Visit our page with the most recent Water Inspection Results

Contact Us

Phone numbers, email addresses, names, mailing address here: Contact Us

WE NEED YOU!

Please call Mark Robert – Fire Chief – 604.414.9662 … see Volunteer Firefighter