Alex Atamanenko, MP for BC Southern Interior, is encouraging individuals and community groups throughout the Basin to get involved in the public consultation process on the Columbia River Treaty (CRT).
“We have the opportunity to participate in the consultation process, and I urge folks to share their thoughts and ideas with the Review Team and Local Governments’ Committee.” said Atamanenko.
Over the past two years, the provincial Columbia River Treaty Review Team has heard from residents and stakeholders on the future of the treaty, which is set for renewal in 2014. The Review Team is seeking public input on its Public Consultation Report and its draft recommendation and principles. Copies of the documents, along with information on providing additional input, can be found at http://blog.gov.bc.ca/columbiarivertreaty/files/2012/07/Columbia-River-Treaty-Draft-BC-Recommendation.pdf, and at http://blog.gov.bc.ca/columbiarivertreaty/public-consultation-report/.
The Columbia River Treaty Local Governments’ Committee has also released its draft recommendations and is seeking input from all Basin residents before sending its final recommendations forward to the provincial government. The committee stresses that “Dam operations continue to impact our communities, and decisions about the future of the CRT will influence generations to come.”
The committee will be holding public workshops at the Nakusp Community Complex on Wednesday, Nov. 6 at 3:30 p.m. and again at 6:30 p.m., and at the Sandman Inn in Castlegar on Thursday, Nov, 7 from 10 a.m. to noon. If you are unable to attend a workshop, an online feedback form can be found at www.cbt.org/lgcommittee, or written comments can be sent to: CRT Local Governments’ Committee, Box 2019, Revelstoke BC V0E 2S0. Input must be received by November 15, 2013.
The Local Governments’ Committee draft recommendations document can be viewed at http://www.cbt.org/uploads/pdf/CRTLocalGovernmentDraftRecommendationsFINAL. Feedback forms and information can also be requested at Columbia Basin Trust offices.