Saturday, May 24, 2025
The Village of Pemberton (VOP) and the Squamish-Lillooet Regional District (SLRD) have each been awarded funding through the Province of British Columbia Water Meter Pilot Project grant program to support the installation of water meters on all residential and commercial water services connected to the Pemberton water system.
Announced officially by the Ministry of Housing and Municipal Affairs on May 6, 2025, two applications to the program were submitted by the VOP and the SLRD to enhance the Pemberton water system and ensure its sustainability and resilience. The VOP has been awarded $4,754,373 through the program, and $343,815 was awarded to the SLRD.
While each organization holds separate agreements with the Province, the VOP and the SLRD will collaborate closely on the procurement and installation process. Invitations to Tender will be issued to procure qualified contractors for installation across both jurisdictions. The pilot project applies to all properties, both commercial and residential, connected to the Pemberton water system. This service area includes all properties in the SLRD’s Pemberton North Water Service area, where residents receive water through a bulk supply agreement with the VOP.
“This project aligns strongly with our strategic priority to protect our environment and focus on sustainable, forward-thinking practices for the community. With this investment, we can better manage our water supply, help residents understand their own water use, deliver on our water conservation goals, and make informed decisions about our community’s infrastructure for the future. We are incredibly thankful for the province for supporting small communities like Pemberton as we take proactive steps to manage our natural resources responsibly and sustainability,” said Mayor Mike Richman, Village of Pemberton.
Universal water metering supports the Village of Pemberton’s strategic priority to Protect Our Environment by advancing water conservation, preserving natural assets, and supporting responsible infrastructure investment. By the end of 2026, nearly all homes and businesses connected to the Pemberton water system will have a water meter installed. Each meter will be equipped with advanced metering technology, allowing for real-time monitoring by both the service provider (VOP) and property owners. This enables early leak detection, accurate tracking of water use, and improved system efficiency.
The technology will also play a critical role in supporting the pilot project’s data collection objectives. While data will be gathered over a six-year period as part of the provincial study, this will not result in immediate changes to how residents and businesses are billed for water. Instead, both the VOP and the SLRD will continue collecting and using this information to guide long-term infrastructure planning and water resource management.
The Province of British Columbia has committed $50M in 2025 to support water metering pilot projects across the province, with a focus on helping smaller communities explore the feasibility and benefits of universal water metering. The project is currently in early planning stages, with the joint tender process expected to launch in the coming months.
