Kootenay-Columbia Member of Parliament Wayne Stetski is delivering on a commitment that he made to the upper Columbia River during the 2015 election.

Stetski pledged that if elected he would support and advocate for regulations to keep high-powered motorized boats off the main stem of the Columbia River between Invermere and Golden, as well as the main stem of the river near Fairmont Hot Springs (pictured above).

The 20-hp restriction, also known as a Regulation Amending the Vessel Operation Restriction Regulations (VORR), has been discussed in the Columbia Valley for over 10 years, and is well supported by communities and local governments. The process to move the regulations forward was stalled under the Conservative government, waiting for approval from Transport Canada.

“We have an opportunity to enhance the safety of navigation and minimize threats to a unique and globally recognized ecosystem,” said Stetski. “This is a conversation that has been happening in communities along the Columbia River for a long time, and I am very pleased to report back to them that the ministry has responded to my request and has taken the steps to continue to move this initiative forward.”

In February, Stetski wrote the minister responsible asking him to re-start the process. On April 2, the Ministry of Transportation published the proposed regulation in the Canada Gazette, allowing for a 30-day public comment period. The regulations would not impact motorized use of Columbia Lake or Lake Windermere.

The recent steps taken by Transport Canada have been well received by local governments and environmental groups. “From an environmental and recreational perspective these regulations would be positive for our community and the river north of here,” said District of Invermere Mayor Gerry Taft. “I am pleased that MP Stetski is taking action on this initiative and the process is moving forward again.”

The Regional District of East Kootenay board of directors April 8 passed a motion supporting the horsepower restriction, an evolved compromise to the 10-hp restriction sought for the wetlands in the late 1990s.

Columbia River-Revelstoke MLA Norm Macdonald is also in support of the 20-hp restriction, which Wildsight has been pushing forward for years.

“The lakes and rivers in our region our integral to our environment, economy and way of life,” said Stetski. “I am committed to continue working with the communities of Kootenay-Columbia and the federal government to protect our water systems.”

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