June 17, 2008
Letter to Minister of Energy Richard Neufeld
As the MLA for Columbia River – Revelstoke, I believe that it is my responsibility to inform you that there is strong opposition to private power projects in the Golden area. In April a community meeting attracted over two hundred residents to discuss the BC Energy Plan and proposed private power projects on rivers in our area.
Golden is a small community; a meeting of 200 people indicates very clearly that Golden does not support these projects.
You will remember that I presented a petition in the Legislature with the names of over a thousand Golden area residents who are against the development of private power projects on the Blaeberry River and Cedar Creek.
I again call on the Minister to place a moratorium on all private power projects until the cumulative impacts of these developments are thoroughly considered and until local decision making is restored.
It is wrong to impose these projects on people who will not only bear the costs as ratepayers but also need to live with the consequences of these projects.
I look forward to your prompt response to the concerns raised by my constituents.
Norm Macdonald MLA
Columbia River - Revelstoke