Cda-US negotiators tussle over updating Columbia River Treaty

“A decade ago, the Canadian entitlement was worth probably $250 million annually to B.C., but today it’s only worth about $115 million and it’s dropping. And we know that the cost and ongoing negative impacts of the treaty haven’t diminished over the years and will continue to cost the province,” Conroy said.

About 50 American legislators toured the Columbia basin near Castlegar, B.C., this week to see those impacts, she said, adding Canada flooded farmland in the region that was once second only to the Fraser Valley in productivity, in order to create the reservoirs.

Other areas like the village of Nakusp on the north shores of Upper Arrow Lake are vulnerable to drying out if the water levels go too low, she said.

While recognizing the water needs to flow, “we would like a little more control over our water supply on this side of the border,” she said.

American negotiators have said they want to add environmental measures to the agreement that would empower it to request Canada release more water to improve salmon habitats.

Internally, American laws have required its authorities to improve salmon habitat, forcing U.S. authorities to release more water from their reservoirs, depleting the amount available for power generation.

Conroy says Canada is very interested in adding an environmental component to the treaty, noting that restoring salmon habitat is a shared concern.

However, she says that won’t necessarily mean giving the United States more power to increase water flow from Canada, which could leave those B.C. communities in the basin dry.

“There’s a lot more to the discussion than just the water flow,” she said.

While American representatives have characterized the treaty as too favourable to Canada, Conroy said it’s important to acknowledge all of the benefits the United States has seen as a result of it, as they move forward.

Americans have seen many economic benefits from the river, which it uses as a transport system for lumber and agricultural products, for recreation, power production and as a reliable water supply for irrigation.

The next negotiation rounds have been scheduled for Aug. 15 and 16 in Nelson, B.C., followed by Oct. 17 and 18 in Portland, Ore. Negotiations began in the spring and there is currently no timeline or deadline for how long they may take.

“This is a long process of negotiations,” Conroy said.

“People are genuinely wanting to work together as a region and we know the importance of working together.”

Amy Smart, The Canadian Press

by Canadian Press

Cda-US negotiators tussle over updating Columbia River Treaty

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