Downton Lake 2023 Wildfire Recovery

Wildfire Recovery

To support Gun Lake area residents affected by the Downton Lake wildfire, the SLRD has formed an internal recovery committee. Our goal is to assist you through the recovery process, which can be challenging and complex.

To connect with the Recovery team, email recovery@slrd.bc.ca

The Downton Lake wildfire recovery site has been developed to serve as a hub of information and resources to help residents navigate the recovery process. Here, we will share relevant information, including SLRD updates, results of our advocacy efforts and wildfire recovery news. We will continue to research and share links to resources that may be helpful through this process.

We are committed to continuing to collaborate with the various agencies and levels of government involved in recovery and advocating on behalf of our residents who have been affected. Our staff is available to answer questions about the recovery process, including cleanup, and the rebuilding process.

You can find a list of SLRD recovery contacts available to help on the right side of this page in the Your Recovery Team section. As you review the content and files on this page – relevant department contacts are noted.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's) are featured on the right side of this page and will get updated as new questions are raised and more information becomes available.

Those that opt to subscribe or 'Stay Informed' to this page, will be notified of updates.

Latest Updates:

NEW - April 23, 2024: The April 22, 2024 Gun Lake Water Quality Sampling Report from Stantec Consulting is now available.

Gun Lake Water Quality Sampling Report

Questions regarding information contained in this report can be directed to:

Mark Phillips,
SLRD Director of Protective Services
mphillips@slrd.bc.ca

April 18, 2024: April 3 and 4, 2024 Casper Creek and Downton Lake Town Hall Follow-up

The SLRD would like to thank everyone who attended and participated in the Casper Creek and Downton Lake Town Halls on April 3 and 4, 2024.

The recordings from the virtual events are now available:

• VIDEO: Casper Creek Post-Wildfire Natural Hazard Risk Assessment Town Hall, April 3, 2024
  • Casper Creek Post-Wildfire Natural Hazard Risk Assessment Report
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• VIDEO: Downton Lake Post-Wildfire Natural Hazard Risk Assessment Town Hall, April 4, 2024
  • Downton Lake Post-Wildfire Natural Hazard Risk Assessment Report

Questions from Town Hall events

The SLRD is currently working with all agencies who were involved in these events to compile the written responses in a timely manner to the questions that were not answered. That information will be shared on this site once it is available.

March 26, 2024: Recovery Update Email sent to residents

'To support Gun Lake area residents affected by the Downton Lake wildfire, we formed an internal recovery committee with the goal of assisting residents through the recovery process. Since September, we've actively raised recovery issues and advocated for your needs and concerns with various provincial ministries and agencies. Our ongoing communication and collaboration efforts aim to address the various and complicated challenges posed by the wildfire and its aftermath.' Read the complete update.

View the following Clean up and Rebuilding graphic to help navigate the process:

1. CLEAN UP: Debris and Waste Management

Wildfire recovery brings with it many unique and challenging disposal issues. The recovery process starts with clean up - which can be unique for each property owner. Take steps to prepare and plan for removal of debris and waste as a result of wildfire.

Environmental Services Department
Phone: (604) 894-6371 ext. 292 | Email: utilities@slrd.bc.ca

2. REBUILDING: Planning and Permits

The SLRD manages the zoning and permitting process for new construction projects in the region, including projects related to wildfire loss and damage. Planners and building officials are available to review your rebuilding ideas and guide you through regulations and requirements specific to your plans.

View our recovery guide related to REBUILDING: Planning and Permits.

Contacts for questions about rebuilding and permits:

Building Permit Applications and Inquiries about Rebuilding
Phone: (604) 894-6371 | Email: bldgofficial@slrd.bc.ca

Applications related to riparian or wildfire development permit areas, contact the Planning Department
Phone: (604) 894-6371 | Email: planning@slrd.bc.ca

3. Utilities Support

For questions related to utilities, contact your provider directly. For private water systems contact your provider or the contractor who regularly services your system. The following is a list of contacts for the Downton Lake Wildfire impacted area:

• BC Hydro call 1-800-BCHYDRO (1-800-224-9376) or FortisBC at 1-866-436-7847
• For underground service inquiries before you dig: BC 1 Call or call 1-800-474- 6886
• Fortis BC: Natural gas: 1-888-224-2710 or Electricity: 1-866-436-7847
• Rogers/Shaw: Toll-free: 1-888-472-2222
• TELUS Mobility: *611 on your TELUS mobile phone or call 1-866-558-2273
• TELUS Internet: Toll-free call 1-888-811-2323

4. Additional contacts

• BC Wildfire Service
• Drive BC
• Air Quality and Health Advice
• BC Hydro or call 1-800-224-9376
• Indigenous communities and local government emergency management resources
• ICBC website or call 1-800-950-1498
• Recover After a Wildfire

Reminder to SUBSCRIBE to:

• SLRD Emergency Notification System
• SLRD Recovery page updates via email