CAMPBELL RIVER, B.C – The intricately carved doors of the new Campbell River Water Supply Center opened this morning.
The supply center, on the shores of John Hart Lake, is the result of a six-year, multi-million dollar project. It was celebrated with an opening ceremony, attended by members of the Wei Wai Kum First Nation and project and city officials, among others.
The supply center became necessary when the BC Hydro penstocks, the city’s connection to it’s water source, were to be removed as part of the John Hart Generating Station replacement project.
Introduced by Mayor Andy Adams, Chief Christopher Roberts of the Wei Wai Kum First Nation, took to the podium.
“I’d like to acknowledge the collaboration and the support that came together among the different parties involved. Hydro, engineers, the funding,” he said.
“If you guys can pull together on something like this, then what else is in store for future assets and infrastructure that would involve first nations?”
“I’d also like to recognize and applaud the city for your commitment to inclusion and representation of our first nations culture and history,” added the chief.
Three totem poles stand at the entrance of the building, the front doors are also pieces of art, designed by local carvers Bill Henderson and Junior Henderson.
Junior recently won first place in the 2018 Transformations on the Shore carving contest, in the professional category.
The Hendersons also took to the stage with other family members to describe their inspiration for the artwork, and their appreciation for the new facility.
Dancers from the Wei Wai Kum First Nation performed after the speakers.
The new water supply center is Campbell River’s largest infrastructure project to date.
The city’s water system distributes potable water for domestic, commercial and industrial use as well as fire protection via water mains running throughout the city.
The system also provides water to local First Nations reserves and in a portion of Strathcona Regional District Area D.
The entire drinking water project is valued at $29.1 million, BC Hydro has contributed 18.3 million.
The center is located at 2200 Brewster Lake Road.
