Castlegar one of seven communities to host Columbia River Treaty review public consultations
By Contributor
The province of B.C. has committed to consult with First Nations and residents of the Columbia River Basin to ensure regional interests help shape the future of the Columbia River Treaty, including one in Castlegar June 6.
The provincial Columbia River Treaty 2014 Review will conduct economic, environmental, social, financial, legal and hydrological analyses in order to make a decision on whether to continue, amend or terminate the Columbia River Treaty with the
As part of the Review, the province in collaboration with the Columbia River Treaty Local Governments’ Committee and Columbia Basin Trust is holding seven information sessions and consultation workshops in Jaffray, Creston, Nakusp, Castlegar, Valemount, Golden and Revelstoke from May 29 to June 20.
Further consultations are planned for fall 2012 and separate consultations with First Nations will also be conducted over the same period.
“The Columbia River Treaty has brought flood control, power generation and economic benefits to British Columbia, said Rich Coleman, Minister of Energy and Mines.
“We want to hear from people who live in the Columbia Basin. Residents can help shape the future of the treaty by providing input in person at our spring and fall community meetings, through a website or by mail.”
Learn more about the Columbia River Treaty Review and submit your questions/ideas at: www.gov.bc.ca/columbiarivertreaty. Find out more about the Columbia River Treaty from Columbia Basin Trust at: www.cbt.org/crt
About the Columbia River Treaty
* The Columbia River Treaty is an internationally respected water management agreement between Canada and the U.S.
* The Columbia River Treaty was conceived to provide measures to prevent catastrophic flooding on both sides of the border and to optimize power generation along the Columbia River and the Kootenay River.
* Over the years, agreements under the Columbia River Treaty have addressed additional values such as managing water flow for fish and for recreation.
* The Columbia River Treaty has no end date. However, the treaty can be terminated on or after Sept. 16, 2024, provided that either Canada or the U.S has given at least 10 years notice of their intention to terminate.
* Government agencies in both Canada and the U.S. are reviewing the benefits and future options of the Columbia River Treaty after 2024.
Columbia River Treaty 2014 Review
* The Ministry of Energy and Mines Columbia River Treaty 2014 Review Team is leading the province’s review of the Columbia River Treaty.
* The team will conduct economic, environmental, social, financial, legal and hydrological analyses in order to make a decision on whether to continue, amend or terminate the Columbia River Treaty.
* As part of the review, the province will consult with First Nations and residents of the Columbia River Basin to ensure regional perspectives, values, and interests shape the future of the Columbia River Treaty.
* The province will provide feedback on how the input received was considered and used.
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