BC Creek Protection Society

It is once again time to stand up for the values of free flowing rivers. Please consider the below information from the Western Canada Wilderness Committee: PEMBERTON OPEN-HOUSE: When: Thursday, December 4th, 4-9 PM with Q&A session from 7:30 PM Where: The gymnasium at the old high school, 7567 Pemberton Meadows Rd. (near Collins Rd.), Pemberton, BC A large private power project is proposed for the Ryan River, an important grizzly bear recovery area near Pemberton. Toronto-based Regional Power Inc., a subsidiary of multi-billion dollar corporation Manulife Financial, is proposing a large 145 megawatt private hydropower project on the Ryan River. This project will involve building a dam (or “weir”) across the river, drilling a 9.5 km long tunnel, creating nearly 8,000 dump-truck loads of waste rock and dirt, and building 26 km of new transmission lines. The Ryan River is one of 11 rivers in this area recommended to be completely off-limits to private power development through the community planning process of the Sea to Sky Land and Resource Management Plan. The Ryan River is a key area linkage area for grizzly bears moving from the coast to areas further inland like the Cayoosh Range and Stein Valley. It is also home to dozens of other species including harlequin ducks, mountain goats and moose. Currently, the Sea to Sky area has over 100 private power projects proposals. Planning for each project is evaluated on a “one-off” basis, not assessing the cumulative impact of multiple projects on the landscape. Each project involves building river diversions, access roads, powerhouses and transmission lines. Make your voice heard! Attend the Pemberton open-house public meeting! The public has a limited time to speak up and stop this project. Comments close on December 15. When: Thursday, December 4th, 4-9 PM with Q&A session from 7:30 PM Where: The gymnasium at the old high school, 7567 Pemberton Meadows Rd. (near Collins Rd.), Pemberton, BC History is made by those who show up—this past spring over 1000 people succeeded in stopping a similar project in the Upper Pitt River Valley. If you can’t make it out to the meeting, please take a moment to write an email to the Minister of the Environment: Honourable Barry Penner env.minister@gov.bc.ca Send copies to: Derek Griffin, Environmental Assessment Office eaoinfo@gov.bc.ca Andrew Radzik, Wilderness Committee andrew@wildernesscommittee.org

Whistler – The debate about independent power projects (IPPs) rages on in some circles, leading a small but impassioned crowd to gather in Pemberton’s new community centre on Saturday (Oct. 18) to talk rivers, power and politics. Representatives from the Western Canada Wilderness Committee (WCWC) and the B.C. Creek Protection Society raised concerns about the environmental impact and the scope of privately owned run-of-river projects. Attachment: Full article (external link to www.whistlerquestion.com)

The BC Creek Protection Society is holding a free public awareness event (suitable for families) at the Goldstream Provincial Park on Sunday November 30th, 11am - 4pm. This is a great opportunity to find out about run-of-river projects and BC’s rivers that are currently endangered. Along with posters, displays, and crafts for children, BCCPS will be holding a bake-sale and will provide free hot beverages. Spread the word, invite friends and we hope to see you there! WHERE: Goldstream Provincial Park infront of the Nature House. Directions: The park is located 16km northwest of Victoria on the Trans Canada Hwy #1 WHEN: Sunday, November 30th, 11AM to 4PM. (Please note: regular vehicle parking fees apply in the park, however, if you park by the highway there is no charge.)

NOVEMBER 30 - DECEMBER 5 New Video Released on Kootenay Rivers Threatened by Private Power Proposal as Save Our Rivers Society Leads “Rivers at Risk” Tour Through 5 Kootenay Communities! Watch this new 11-min short documentary, “Rivers at Risk: Glacier & Howser Creeks,” by POWERPLAY producer Damien Gillis on the battle to protect a treasured piece of Kootenay wilderness from private power development. This video is the second installment in Save Our Rivers Society’s new “Rivers at Risk” series, which profiles different rivers around BC threatened by private power development - told in the words of the local citizens batting to protect them. Featuring stunning high definition footage of this spectacular BC wilderness, revered by outdoor enthusiasts. Link to video Join Save Our Rivers in five different West Kootenay communities for a premiere of this video and presentations by Rafe Mair, Damien Gillis, Lee-Ann Unger of the West Kootenay EcoSociety, and the COPE 378 “Take Back the Power” campaign: NELSON: Sunday, November 30 7 PM - Nelson United Church NAKUSP: Tuesday December 2 7 PM - Bonnington Arts Centre MEADOW CREEK: Wednesday, December 3 7 PM - Lardeau Valley Hall KASLO: Thursday, December 4 7 PM - Langham Theatre ROSSLAND: Friday, December 5 7 PM - Rossland Miner’s Hall

Attachment: Sedan Creek Letter Oct 24 Watershed Watch Salmon Society Please find below a letter by Watershed Watch Salmon Society that raises strong concerns about potential wild salmon habitat impacts on Sedan Creek due to a run-of-river hydroelectric proposal. If you could devote some time to write a letter for this cause, this would be greatly appreciated. (more…)