Columbia River Treaty Review: B.C

Author: Province British Columbia

This report summarizes the decision of the Government of British Columbia regarding the continuation of the Columbia River Treaty. It also provides a list of Treaty-related issues that were reported through various public consultations. Last, the document lists a number of principles upon which future Treaty renegotiations should incorporate.

The Treaty Review Team heard a wide range of diverse perspectives on matters relating to the Treaty and on those issues that can be addressed within existing programs and initiatives. Some of these issues include:
-Residents are big proponents of ongoing enhancement to environmental values within the Basin through further investments in compensation and mitigation programs and by adjustments to hydro system operations to balance ecosystem needs with those of flood protection and power generation.
-There is an increasing awareness of climate change and a desire for planning and adaptation to be incorporated in future Treaty management decisions.
-Residents appreciate the effectiveness of the Treaty dams in minimizing flood damage and want to see close communication and coordination continue.
-Economic development has been an ongoing concern from the standpoint of lost opportunities as a result of the creation of reservoirs. An economic stimulus has
been created for those who participate in ongoing hydro operations, construction and maintenance. The inequity between impact and benefit from the Treaty across communities has been highlighted.
-Public participation in decisions that affect them has changed greatly since the 1960s. Today, residents and stakeholders want to receive timely and pertinent
information that they can understand, and have input and influence in management of resources, such Treaty operations including Libby Dam.
-Basin residents want recognition of the full range of benefits to the United States today and in the future, and to ensure that the Province receives its fair share as it relates to the benefits of coordinated operations from Canadian reservoirs.

The following B.C. decision and principles reflect the outcomes of the British Columbia Treaty Review process. Any changes to the Treaty that may be pursued by the Province will be guided by these principles.

B.C. DECISION:
Continue the Columbia River Treaty and seek improvements within the existing Treaty framework.

The Treaty Review Team heard a wide range of diverse perspectives on matters relating to the Treaty and on those issues that can be addressed within existing programs and initiatives. Some of these issues include:
-Residents are big proponents of ongoing enhancement to environmental values within the Basin through further investments in compensation and mitigation programs and by adjustments to hydro system operations to balance ecosystem needs with those of flood protection and power generation.
-There is an increasing awareness of climate change and a desire for planning and adaptation to be incorporated in future Treaty management decisions.
-Residents appreciate the effectiveness of the Treaty dams in minimizing flood damage and want to see close communication and coordination continue.
-Economic development has been an ongoing concern from the standpoint of lost opportunities as a result of the creation of reservoirs. An economic stimulus has
been created for those who participate in ongoing hydro operations, construction and maintenance. The inequity between impact and benefit from the Treaty across communities has been highlighted.
-Public participation in decisions that affect them has changed greatly since the 1960s. Today, residents and stakeholders want to receive timely and pertinent
information that they can understand, and have input and influence in management of resources, such Treaty operations including Libby Dam.
-Basin residents want recognition of the full range of benefits to the United States today and in the future, and to ensure that the Province receives its fair share as it relates to the benefits of coordinated operations from Canadian reservoirs.

The following B.C. decision and principles reflect the outcomes of the British Columbia Treaty Review process. Any changes to the Treaty that may be pursued by the Province will be guided by these principles.

B.C. DECISION:
Continue the Columbia River Treaty and seek improvements within the existing Treaty framework.