Golden residents are being given another opportunity to voice their opinions on the Columbia River Treaty.
At a series of workshops (the second such series, the first round having been held in spring 2012) Columbia River Basin residents are encouraged to help shape the future of the long-term Columbia River Treaty (CRT).
The CRT is an internationally respected water management agreement between Canada and the United States, and was conceived to provide storage reservoirs to capture spring run-off to prevent catastrophic flooding on both sides of the border, as well as to optimize power generation along the Columbia and Kootenay Rivers.
These workshops are the next step in the province’s commitment to consult with residents, and ensure their concerns are heard in the Provincial Review of the 1964 CRT between Canada and the United states.
At the Golden workshop on Wednesday Nov. 21, people will learn about the initial results of the studies being conducted for the Provincial Review, and will have the opportunity to provide feedback and input.
“It is important that residents attend these provincial consultation workshops to provide their input on the new information the province has compiled,” said Mayor Christina Benty, who is also a CRT Local Governments’ Committee member.
Under the Canada-British Columbia Agreement (1963), Canada is required to obtain the B.C. government’s consent before terminating or amending the CRT. Even though the agreement has no end date, either Canada or the United States can unilaterally terminate the treaty on or after Sept. 16, 2024, with at least 10 years’ notice.
“Public input is crucial to our government during the review process. We want to hear from Columbia River Basin residents before making any decision about the future of the treaty,” said Rich Coleman, minister of energy, mines and natural gas, the ministry that is leading the government’s review of the CRT.
The Golden workshop is taking place at the Golden Civic Centre from 6 to 9 p.m. (open house with background information from 6 to 6:30, and a presentation and discussion from 6:30 to 9).
These consultation workshops are free, registration is not required.
