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Information session to educate public about river treaty

The Columbia Basin Trust (CBT) is hosting an information session about the Columbia River Treaty (CRT) in Creston on Nov. 28...
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The Columbia River Treaty allowed the U.S. to construct the Libby Dam in Montana. Its reservoir

The Columbia Basin Trust (CBT) is hosting an information session about the Columbia River Treaty (CRT) in Creston on Nov. 28. 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 CBT president and CEO Neil Muth,

The session will be held at the Creston and District Community Complex, with an open house from 2-7 p.m., a free dinner from 6-7 p.m. and a presentation from 7-9 p.m.

The CRT is an international agreement between Canada and the United States to co-ordinate 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 Central Kootenay and the Town of Creston, CBT is bringing experts on the CRT and international water management from across Canada to Creston.

“Having people with this much knowledge about the current treaty come to our community is an excellent opportunity for all of us to learn more,” says Creston Mayor Ron Toyota.

“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 Regional District of Central Kootenay Area B director John Kettle.

CBT is hosting similar sessions in other communities, as well as online information sessions via the Internet. CBT has also prepared documents, videos and other resources to help residents learn more.

— COLUMBIA BASIN TRUST