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Welcome to BC Rivers Alliance

BC Rivers Alliance was founded in opposition to the rapidly proliferating “gold rush” of privately owned 'run-of-river' hydro power projects in British Columbia.

The BC Rivers Alliance is concerned about the sustainability of run-of-river projects since the scale of the province wide development with over 450 water license applications is significant and will have ecological and societal impacts.

The purpose of the Alliance is to unite groups and organizations working across BC that have an interest in the well being of BC rivers. The efforts of the alliance will be rooted in a set of core values that are accepted and supported by its members.

Core Values

  • Our rivers, streams, and watersheds are valuable and must be protected

Values: Cultural, spiritual, ecological, natural, recreational, scenic

  • Wilderness conservation to protect wild salmon and species at risk
  • Watershed and ecosystem integrity

Watersheds are complex ecosystems of key importance and are signature features of British Columbia. Impacting these ecosystems with industrial development (e.g., roads, transmission lines, river diversion) is irreversible and must be carefully studied and planned at a province wide level. This study must include the cumulative effect of all “small” hydro facilities in BC. Environmental assessments fail to adequately address these issues.

  • Sustainable power solutions

We promote implementation of sustainable power solutions which don't irreversibly affect the natural, social and economical environment. This includes energy conservation. Energy projects should be examined for sustainability. The cumulative impact of all projects must be evaluated.

  • Equal consideration of all river users and stakeholders

All users of watersheds must be given equal consideration. All users concerns must be properly evaluated. Bill 30 removes input of local citizens and municipalities about hydro projects which is unacceptable.

  • Public hydro power

Public hydro power has been proven to be very effective and profitable for the people of the province. We seek public and democratic control and ownership of BC rivers, streams, and watersheds to ensure benefits for the BC public.

  • Conservation of power to meet demand

Meeting increased demand through energy conservation is sustainable and means lower green house gas emissions while conserving wilderness values. By conserving energy valuable time can be gained to assess BC’s energy situation and the need for new power.

  • Comprehensive and transparent approval processes for hydro projects

The approval process involving small hydro development must be transparent to general public. All informations regarding small hydro must be easily accessible by public without any restrictions.

  • Non partisan

The coalition is non partisan as in that we do not support any particular political party.

Alliance supporters

If you would like to join the BC Rivers Alliance please email petra 'at' bc-creeks 'dot' org

Press Releases

22.08.2007 - Foundation of the BC Rivers Alliance

Other Documents

29.10.2007 - Letter to government: Ecological critique of current private hydroelectric power development strategies in British Columbia

Contact

Petra Drncova (petra at bc-creeks dot org), tel: 1-250-382-3499

 

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