CBT co-hosts information sessions in the Columbia Valley

Columbia Basin Trust (CBT) is hosting an information session about the Columbia River Treaty (CRT) in the Columbia Valley on Wednesday, February 29. This session is hosted in partnership with local governments and the CRT Local Governments’ Committee.

“The information session will help people who live in the Canadian portion of the Columbia Basin better understand what the CRT is, how it works and what considerations exist for the future,” said Neil Muth, CBT president and CEO.

The info session is Wednesday, February 29, at the Lion’s Hall at Invermere Crossroads, 651 Hwy. 93/95.

There is an open house from 2 to 7 p.m., a free dinner from 6 to 7 p.m. and a presentation  from 7 to 9 p.m.

The CRT is an international agreement between Canada and the United States to coordinate flood control and optimize hydroelectric power generation on both sides of the border. Under the 1964 treaty, three dams were constructed in Canada, including Mica, Duncan and Hugh Keenleyside. A fourth dam, Libby, was constructed in Montana. Its reservoir, the Koocanusa, extends 67 kilometres into Canada.

The CRT has no official expiry date, but has a minimum length of 60 years, which is met in September 2024. Either Canada or the United States can terminate many of the provisions of the agreement effective any time after September 2024, provided written notice is filed at least 10 years in advance (2014). While no decision has been made by either Canada or the United States on the future of the current treaty, given the importance of the issues, and the approaching date of 2014, both countries are now conducting studies and exploring future options for the CRT.

“Our primary role with respect to the CRT is to act as an information resource for Basin residents,” says Muth, adding that CBT does not make decisions with respect to the CRT. “Consultation on the CRT is a Provincial responsibility.”

Working with the Regional District of East Kootenay (RDEK) and Columbia Valley communities, CBT is bringing experts on the CRT and international water management from across Canada to Invermere.

“This is a chance to talk with experts and our neighbours about something that has influenced the geography and social fabric of this region for decades,” says Wendy Booth, RDEK Electoral Area F director.

“Having people with this much knowledge about the current treaty come to the Columbia Valley is an excellent opportunity for all of us to learn more,” says RDEK Electoral Area A director, Mike Sosnowski on behalf of the Columbia River Treaty Local Governments’ Committee.

CBT held similar sessions in other communities in 2011 and has prepared documents, videos and other resources to help residents build their understanding. Learn more about the CRT at www.cbt.org/crt.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION LINKS:

1. This short video presents key facts on CRT history: https://www.cbt.org/newsroom/?view&vars=1&content=Multimedia&WebDocID=2515

2. Fact sheet that outlines relationship between CBT and the CRT, and CBT’s role: https://www.cbt.org/crt/assets/pdfs/CRT_fact_sheet.pdf

3. Brochure that provides an overview of the CRT: https://www.cbt.org/crt/assets/pdfs/CRTbrochure.pdf

Above photo: The Columbia River Treaty allowed the U.S. to construct the Libby Dam in Montana. Its reservoir, the Koocanusa, extends 67 kilometres into Canada. Photo courtesy of US Army Corps of Engineers.

Rachel Lucas, Columbia Basin Trust

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