Creston town council received a detailed overview of management of waterways and dams in the Columbia Basin at the May 28 regular meeting.
A presentation organized by BC Hydro, the major provider of electricity in British Columbia, is appearing before local governments throughout the region as negotiations for a renewal of the Columbia River Treaty loom closer.
“There was some very good information presented,” said Coun. Judy Gadicke. “These waterways are critical to our area in so many ways and it’s a challenge to manage them in a way that balances the interests of all parties.”
Along with BC Hydro personnel, represented in the delegation were the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Representatives from Fortis, Ducks Unlimited and the Creston Valley Wildlife Management Area also attended the session.
Probably the best news from the presentations was that the likelihood of a recurrence of last year’s floods along the Kootenay and Columbia Rivers is minimal, unless unexpected high rainfalls occur in the next few weeks.
Council Briefs
•The Town of Creston will explore a request from Creston Valley Hospital to add a handicapped parking space in front the hospital. Town staff reported that the hospital has also been informed that designating assigned parking spots on 15th Avenue North is not within the hospital’s rights.
•A proposal from Victoria to reduce speed limits within municipal boundaries to 40 km/h was received for information.
•The Creston Wave Swim Club will receive a Town of Creston travel bag to sell in a silent auction at its June 22-23 annual swim meet.