NEWS RELEASE

For Immediate Release

July 24, 2026, at 5:00 PM

The Fraser Valley Regional District (FVRD) Boston Bar water system was vandalized leaving unknown damage to the community’s critical infrastructure.

The Boston Bar water system is located in an Evacuation Order area in the Brunswick Complex Wildfire. On Thursday, July 23, 2026, due to the dynamic nature of the Brunswick Complex Wildfire, it was anticipated that water may need to be shut off in order to protect critical infrastructure which quickly transitioned to the action of turning off the water due to draw sharply increasing and water supply sharply decreasing. These stages of water access were communicated publicly even though nobody should be in an Evacuation Order area. Meanwhile, there had been an existing notification of a Boil Water Notice, a Stage 4 Water Conservation measure, and notification that the FVRD was prioritizing water access to BC Wildfire Service. At approximately 11:30 p.m. on July 23, 2026, the FVRD received a high flow alarm which indicated that the valve riser was opened to the water system which fed the system with water. By turning this valve, and doing so incorrectly, it created the potential to build a water hammer throughout the water system thus creating a catastrophic failure to the water system. Fortunately, FVRD staff were made aware of this situation and could respond onsite by turning the water service back off at approximately 1:30 a.m.

Until the area is safe to enter, the water system is unable to be assessed and the extent of damage identified. Once a thorough and exhaustive assessment is completed and the water system is restored, the FVRD will ensure all steps are taken to provide safe drinking water for the people who utilize the water system. Unfortunately, this incident has the potential to burden taxpayers who pay for water service through substantial repair costs for the water system. The FVRD is hoping the water system endured minimal damage as a result of the vandalism however, felt it important to advise the community about the potential damage.

This is an active and ongoing police investigation. If you have any information on who is responsible for this act of vandalism, please contact the Hope RCMP with Police File# 2026-31913.

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Media contact:

FVRD EOC Communications

778-704-0400

EOC.COMMUNICATIONS@fvrd.ca