Columbia Basin Trust (CBT) is hosting information sessions about the Columbia River Treaty (CRT) in Jaffray and Cranbrook. The sessions are hosted in partnership with local governments and the CRT Local Governments’ Committee.

“The information sessions  will help people who live in the Canadian portion of the Columbia Basin better understand what the CRT is, how it works and what considerations exist for the future,” said Neil Muth, CBT President and CEO.

The CRT is an international agreement between Canada and the United States to coordinate flood control and optimize hydroelectric power generation on both sides of the border. Under the 1964 treaty, three dams were constructed in Canada, including the Mica, Duncan and Hugh Keenleyside Dams. A fourth dam-the Libby-was constructed in Montana (pictured above). Its reservoir-the Koocanusa-extends 67 kilometres into Canada.

The CRT has no official expiry date, but has a minimum length of 60 years, which is met in September 2024. Either Canada or the United States can terminate many of the provisions of the agreement effective any time after September 2024, provided written notice is filed at least 10 years in advance (2014).

While no decision has been made by either Canada or the United States on the future of the current treaty, given the importance of the issues, and the approaching date of 2014, both countries are now conducting studies and exploring future options for the CRT.

“Our primary role with respect to the CRT is to act as an information resource for Basin residents,” says Muth, adding that CBT does not make decisions with respect to the CRT. “Consultation on the CRT is a provincial responsibility.”

Working with the Regional District of East Kootenay and the City of Cranbrook, CBT is bringing experts on the CRT and international water management from across Canada to Jaffray and Cranbrook.

“Having people with this much knowledge about the current treaty come to the region is an excellent opportunity to learn more,” says Heath Slee, Electoral Area B Director, Regional District of East Kootenay.

“This is a chance to talk with experts and our neighbours about something that has influenced the geography and social fabric of this region for decades,” says Cranbrook Mayor, Scott Manjak.

CBT is hosting similar sessions in other communities as well as four online information sessions via the internet. CBT has also prepared documents, videos and other resources to help residents learn more.

Schedule

Jaffray –  Tuesday, October 4 at Jaffray Hall, Jaffray Village Loop Road. Open House 2 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.  Free BBQ 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.  Presentation 6:30 to 8:00 p.m.

Cranbrook – Thursday, October 6 at College of the Rockies, Kootenay Centre 2700 College Way – Open House 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. Free BBQ 6 to7 p.m. Presentation 7 to 8:30 p.m.

Learn more about the CRT at www.cbt.org/crt. CBT delivers economic, social and environmental benefits to the residents of the Columbia Basin. To learn more about CBT programs and initiatives, visit www.cbt.org or call 1-800-505-8998.

Additional information links:

1. This short video presents key facts on CRT history: http://www.cbt.org/newsroom/?view&vars=1&content=Multimedia&WebDocID=25

2. Fact sheet that outlines relationship between CBT and the CRT, and CBT’s role: http://www.cbt.org/crt/assets/pdfs/CRT_fact_sheet.pdf

3. Brochure that provides an overview of the CRT:

http://www.cbt.org/crt/assets/pdfs/CRTbrochure.pdf

By Rachel Lucas, Columbia Basin Trust

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