A series of meetings this fall will seek public input and update Columbia Basin communities about the current Columbia River Treaty negotiations.
Six local meetings scheduled for the West Kootenay area to combine for a total of 12 communities being consulted, including the East Kootenay.
“As we continue discussions about the future of the treaty, it’s vital that we stay connected with basin communities and engage them in a way that wasn’t done when the treaty was first drafted,” said Katrine Conroy, B.C.’s Minister Responsible for the Columbia River Treaty. “Engaging face-to-face with communities plays an important part in the current process, and what we hear informs the discussions at the negotiating table.”
The most recent round of negotiations was held in ʔaq’am September 10th and 11th.
More: Cranbrook Hosts Columbia River Treaty Negotiations (September 13, 2019) *file from Bradley Jones, MyEastKootenayNow.com*
Each community meeting runs from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. A light meal will be available.
- Creston: Thursday, Oct. 24 – Creston and District Community Complex
- Genelle: Tuesday, Nov. 12 – Genelle Hall
- Nelson: Wednesday, Nov. 13 – Hume Hotel
- Meadow Creek: Tuesday, Nov. 26 – Lardeau Valley Community Club
- Nakusp: Wednesday, Nov. 27 – Nakusp and Area Community Complex and Arena
- Fauquier: Thursday, Nov. 28 – Fauquier Community Club
The public meetings will include an update from the B.C. Government on how they are working to address community interests in the negotiations, also featuring presentation from First Nations about their ongoing study of ecosystems in the Columbia Basin, which includes the local Ktunaxa Nation.
Last year, the B.C. Government also did a similar round of public meetings to update the communities on the Columbia River Treaty.
For those unable to attend, livestreaming will be available for some of the meetings. There are several other ways to share views on the treaty:
Email: [email protected]
Write to:
Columbia River Treaty Team
Ministry of Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources
PO Box 9314 Stn Prov Govt
Victoria, B.C. V8W 9N1
Or engage with the Columbia River Treaty Review on Facebook and Twitter.