Kitimat council has voted to offer a one-time $500 rebate to every household on Gull Street, following more than a year of complaints about murky, discoloured water.
The decision builds upon an earlier notice of motion, which would have limited the rebate to homes that bought and installed water filtration systems. Council chose to expand it, saying every home on the street has been dealing with the same ongoing water issues.
The original motion came from Councillor Martins, who brought forward the idea after residents appeared before council to describe brown water, sediment, and constant discoloration. Some residents said they had to rely on bottled water or pay for water filters themselves.
Staff told council this week that the filters on Gull Street are clogging quickly, which points to sediment building up in the dead-end water line. They noted that filtration also reduces chlorine levels, meaning it isn’t a perfect long-term solution.
The district predicts that the new water treatment facility should be running by fall 2026. Water quality should slowly improve once it is all up and running. Until then, residents are asked to run their taps regularly to help move water through the system.
Councillors debated whether the rebate should go to those who bought filters or be offered to everyone. Some councillors felt the rebate should reward the people who paid out of pocket. Others said the whole street has been affected and that trying to judge each house individually wouldn’t be fair.
Although a few councillors expressed concern about setting a precedent for other neighbourhoods, most agreed Gull Street’s problems are well-documented and unique. Repeated complaints and photos of brown water were offered as evidence.
Approximately 18 homes are anticipated to receive the $500 rebate. Staff will now send out letters explaining how it will work and develop an application form with claims due by Dec. 31, 2026.
Council emphasized that a rebate isn’t a permanent fix. Long-term improvements are tied to the new treatment plant and future upgrades to the water system. Until those are in place, the District said it will continue supporting residents on Gull Street.
