The provincial government is hosting a series of information and consultation workshops on the Columbia River Treaty, from May 29 to June 20 around the Columbia Basin.

The purpose of the meetings is to allow the province 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.

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 United States.

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: www.gov.bc.ca/columbiarivertreaty .

Further consultations are planned for fall 2012 and separate consultations with First Nations will also be conducted over the same period.

Kootenay East MLA Bill Bennett is urging residents to take part in the workshops to become as well informed as possible.

“We need people to know that we’re listening – because we really are. It’s essential that we shape the future of the treaty and the basin with input from all those who are involved. Our government is using feedback from British Columbians in a way that’s never been seen before and that is a trademark of our administration. It’s important people are aware of that.”

Rich Coleman, Minister of Energy and Mines added: “The Columbia River Treaty has brought flood control, power generation and economic benefits to British Columbia. 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.”

The provincial information sessions follow on the heels of similar events held earlier this year by the Columbia Basin Trust.

“Columbia Basin Trust’s primary role is to act as a resource for basin residents and local governments. That’s why we’re working with the Columbia River Treaty Local Governments’ Committee and the province to ensure this region and its residents are informed and actively engaged in Treaty-related issues,” said Garry Merkel, Columbia Basin Trust Board chair.

Deb Kozak, Columbia River Treaty Local Governments’ Committee chair and councillor, City of Nelson is pleased to see the information sessions being held.

“The spring information sessions will include an open house, a chance to discuss issues with experts, and a free dinner so people can continue talking and sharing ideas before taking part in the consultation with the province,” she said.

* 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 United States.

* 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 United States has given at least 10 years notice of their intention to terminate.

* Government agencies in both Canada and the United States 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.

How can Columbia River Basin residents become involved in the Treaty Review?

* There are a number of ways for basin residents to become involved in the Columbia River Treaty 2014 Review:

o Columbia River Treaty Review website: www.gov.bc.ca/columbiarivertreaty

o Evening consultation workshops are planned for the following locations and dates:

* Jaffray, May 29

* Creston, May 30

* Nakusp, June 5

* Castlegar, June 6

* Valemount, June 13

* Golden, June 19

* Revelstoke, June 20

Further consultation workshops will be scheduled for this fall.

e-KNOW

Above photo: Lake Koocanusa

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