Ladysmith urges provincial action to safeguard drinking water amid wildfire and vandalism threats

Ladysmith is once again urging the provincial government to take immediate emergency action to address safety and watershed protection concerns, following a recent human-caused wildfire near the Banon Creek Forest Service Road. The town council wrote to the province on June 26, requesting support to enhance access controls, increase enforcement against unauthorized access, trespassing, and encampments within municipal watersheds, and expedite legal tools to better protect public health and safety.

However, the town states it has not yet received a response. Ladysmith obtains its drinking water from the Stocking Lake and Holland Lake watersheds, which are accessed via the Banon Creek Forest Service Road. These watersheds are located outside the town’s boundaries and are managed under provincial timber licenses held by private forestry companies and Indigenous forestry operators. The watersheds supply drinking water to approximately 12,000 residents in Ladysmith, the Stz’uminus First Nation, the Diamond Improvement District, and the Saltair area.

On August 18, a human-caused brush fire erupted in the area, following another fire in the same location just weeks earlier. On August 21, the town sent a second letter to the provincial government, reiterating its concerns, including the need for the humane relocation of individuals occupying or accessing areas within the watershed. The town council fears a catastrophic wildfire could break out, causing significant damage to critical drinking water infrastructure or resulting in serious injury or death.

"We are asking that the province take action to address the ongoing risks and ensure individuals are relocated in a humane manner away from our watershed," stated Ladysmith Mayor Deena Beeston. "Every day of inaction increases the risk to Ladysmith’s watershed, drinking water infrastructure and the safety of those in the area. We must protect these resources that are needed by everyone in the area."

Despite previous attempts to secure the area, including the implementation of a temporary closure of the Banon Creek Forest Service Road gate on May 19, 2026, security measures have been repeatedly compromised. Gate locks have been intentionally cut and removed multiple times, and a high-security locking system has been deliberately damaged. Due to repeated vandalism and potential fire risks, the gate is no longer locked.

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We are asking that the province take action to address the ongoing risks and ensure individuals are relocated in a humane manner away from our watershed. Every day of inaction increases the risk to Ladysmith’s watershed, drinking water infrastructure and the safety of those in the area. We must protect these resources that are needed by everyone in the area.