207748 - RDBN AGRICULTURE WATER ASSESSMENT & COMMUNITY IRRIGATION STUDY FOR THE VANDERHOOF AREA

The Regional District of Bulkley-Nechako (the Regional District) is seeking quotes from qualified consulting firms with demonstrated knowledge and experience to conduct a water assessment and community irrigation feasibility project in Vanderhoof area (Regional District Area F)

The Regional District is interested in piloting a water assessment and community irrigation feasibility project in the Vanderhoof area. Improved irrigation access would decrease the risk of crop failures in drought years, and potentially improve the economic return for forage producers. Vanderhoof forage producers supply hay to livestock producers through central and northwest BC.

There is existing information for both surface water and some groundwater resources (primarily aquifers). The information needs to be compiled and analyzed in the context of establishing community irrigation infrastructure.

In addition to reviewing current water and soil information, it is also necessary to evaluate the feasibility of community irrigation systems for agricultural areas surrounding Vanderhoof (based on the results of the water resource analyses). Variables such as topography, size of system, and financially sustainability would all be considered.

Community-level irrigation systems could benefit forage production throughout the region. The main deliverable for this project is an established process for data collection and analysis that could be replicated in other agriculture areas in the Regional District.