Editor,
I am writing to voice my opposition to the proposed hydro power project on the Illecillewaet River. I find it ridiculous that hydro prospectors have targeted our region to develop more hydro generation dams. The Revelstoke area is currently impacted by three large conventional hydro generation dams (Keenleyside, Revelstoke, and Mica), in addition the Akolkolex, Cranberry, and Pingston dams are altering major tributaries. We have seen our entire valley altered through hydro generation, are we now expected to allow our free flowing tributaries altered as well?
I could rattle on about the negative aspects of independent hydro power projects; the total lack of local long term job creation, the negative impacts on the environment, the fact that we are the only western jurisdiction still considering these projects ‘green,’ the privatization of our water resources, and the loss of recreational opportunities.
Instead, consider that the Revelstoke Dam will still only be operating 5 out of a potential 6 turbines after completion of the current upgrading. The one new turbine at the Revelstoke dam will produce 500MW. The proposed private Illecillewaet project will only produce 20MW, that’s 480MW less than another turbine at the existing BC Hydro Revelstoke dam. Generating more capacity at existing BC Hydro dams benefits all residents of BC as we own BC Hydro. It seems strange that the provincial government would rather develop private hydro to benefit a few out of province companies over the taxpayers of B.C.
To further insult the local residents of Revelstoke the proposed project will be located at the bottom of the only section on the river we are still allowed to fish. The Illecillewaet from Albert Canyon to Revelstoke is closed to fishing due the negative impacts the first dam (now removed) had on the river. What will the impacts of a second dam be?
Hasn’t Revelstoke given enough for electricity production? We have given up our once fertile farmlands, our deep canyon, abundant natural fish stocks, our free flowing Columbia, and by going private we are also giving up profit to our government. The provincial government needs to cancel this proposal and halt all new IPP/ hydro development in the Revelstoke/Columbia region.
There are two main ways to voice your opposition to this project. First, let your opinion be known, write to this paper, your MLA, the BC Environmental Assessment Office, and the premier. The second method is to get out and VOTE. The Campbell government is up for re-election this coming year, among all the other impacts to interior communities remember what they have done to our local resources, environment, and recreational opportunities. Vote for change!
Jeff Bellis,
Revelstoke