Bouchie Lake Sewer Project

The Cariboo Regional District (CRD) has completed a feasibility study to explore whether a community sewer system could help protect Bouchie Lake’s water quality and serve nearby homes.

We’re now asking property owners in the proposed service area to share their feedback before any decisions are made.

Project Background

In 2024, residents were asked in a pre-feasibility survey what concerns they had about water quality and a possible sewer system. Based on that input, a detailed study was completed in 2025 to look at:

• Potential service area (approx. 182 parcels around Bouchie Lake)
• Technical feasibility of a collection and treatment system
• Estimated costs and funding options
• Environmental benefits and community impacts

What the study found

Environmental Benefits:

A community sewer system is estimated to address up to 15% of the phosphorus entering Bouchie Lake, assuming full participation and proper operation. Other nutrient inputs are primarily associated with agricultural activity and natural lake processes, which would remain largely unaffected by a sewer system.

Proposed Service Area:

The feasibility study also identified a potential service area of about 182 parcels around Bouchie Lake, including properties where septic systems are most likely to affect water quality and where a community sewer system could be technically feasible.

Cost per Household:

Preliminary estimates from the feasibility study indicate that annual household costs for a community sewer system would range from approximately $3,000 to $7,000 with grant funding, depending on project scope, loan term, and reserve contributions. Without grant funding, annual costs are estimated between $7,000 and $9,000 per household. These projections reflect the size of the proposed service area and the infrastructure required to construct, operate, and maintain the system over time.

Risk of Gentrification and Inequity:

High service costs could present affordability challenges for some households, particularly those with fixed or lower incomes. Over time, these costs may influence the demographic mix and housing affordability within the Bouchie Lake community.

How Residents of the Proposed Service Areas Can Participate

Attend the open house on February 9, 2026

Date: Monday, February 9, 2026
Time: 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Location: Bouchie Lake Community Hall
Presentation @ 7pm followed by Q & A opportunity

Submit any written comments or questions to kchatten@cariboord.ca before March 9, 2026

Property owners in the proposed Bouchie Lake Sewer Service Area are invited to complete the survey by March 9, 2026 to share your feedback.

Survey

What Happens Next

• Public Input Collection – Surveys and written feedback will be accepted following the open house.

• Data Review – Staff will review all survey results and comments to identify common themes and concerns.

• Board Review – The CRD Board will consider the findings and determine whether further work on the project is warranted.

• Future Planning – Resident feedback will help guide future discussions and planning for Bouchie Lake and wastewater management.

Full Reports