Summerland businesses face another blow as water advisory keeps doors closed

Summerland, British Columbia, is struggling to recover from the Bald Range wildfire, with a boil-water advisory now hindering the reopening of local businesses, especially restaurants.

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We wash all our vegetables, all the pop lines need to be flushed. We will have to buy new product and not to mention people need water to drink

Restaurants like Zias Stonehouse are unable to operate because they lack safe, treated water for essential tasks such as washing produce and flushing equipment. Co-owner Shannon Ferlizza highlighted the significant financial losses, including the need to discard perishable food stored in refrigerators and walk-in freezers due to temporary power outages during the fire. This situation compounds the challenges faced after the evacuation.

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This is our walk-in freezer that has all this food that we probably are going to have to throw out

Ferlizza also stressed the importance of reopening for her employees, who rely on the restaurant for their livelihoods and a sense of stability. The summer season is crucial for Summerland's small businesses, and the extended disruption threatens their viability.

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What a shame. Just think, all this work grating all this cheese and it’s all going to go to the dump

Summerland Mayor Doug Holmes described the situation as devastating for local businesses, emphasizing that this period represents their prime tourist season. He noted that the ongoing closures could lead to permanent business failures. The boil-water advisory was issued after the wildfire forced the district to bypass its water treatment plant, leading to untreated water entering the municipal system.

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Small businesses in town are decimated. This is their prime tourist season. They have taken a huge hit