The building of the Libby Dam on the Kootenay River created the
reservoir now known as Koocanusa (named for KOOtenay, CANada and
USA). It extends northward 145 km (90 mi) – 77km (48 mi) on the southern
side of the International border and another 68 km (42 mi) on the
northern portion.
Along with wildlife habitat, the two East Kootenay communities of Waldo
and Wardner, BC., as well as about 25 ranches on the Canadian side were
submerged.
The Fernie Museum is happy to present a touring photographic exhibit
called “Changes Upstream” that documents not only the buildings and
landscape of the East Kootenay communities affected by the construction
of the Libby Dam, but also the people whose lives would be forever and
dramatically altered by the rising water level.
The Photos were taken between 1969 and 1972 by Nelson-born Stanley G.
Triggs. The exhibit, toured by Touchstones Nelson Museum of Art and
History with help from the Columbia Basin Trust, will be on display in the
Fernie Museum from August 4th until September 22nd.
Opening reception August 4th 7-9pm.
