Glacier Howser Update

Thank you for your support in protecting Glacier and Howser creeks. Your support is critical to the Wild Rivers Campaign, and we are encouraged to be working with a community that is dedicated to protecting and enhancing ecosystem health.

Here is our update on the latest news:

It has been just about one year since the Environmental Assessment Office (EAO) suspended its review of the controversial 100MW Glacier-Howser project. Halfway through the 180 day review period, the EAO stopped the clock on the environmental assessment, citing that the impacts to fish and fish habitats posed a ‘significant challenge’. The project was put on pause and AXOR was given an undefined time period to collect additional information required if the review process was to continue.

From our most recent discussions with the EAO we have learned that AXOR has submitted a draft report with additional information on fish and fish habitats. Whether or not this information is sufficient for the process to move forward is yet to be determined.

We are concerned that this project is back on the table as it was proven to be environmentally unsound. We are anxious to learn what the additional information on fish and fish habitats is, and how AXOR has addressed the project’s tremendously negative impacts on the genetically unique bull-trout species, as well the impacts to the critically endangered caribou, threatened grizzly bears, wolverine and other wildlife in the area.

We will diligently review any new information once it is made public, but the project as it stands still poses an unacceptable threat to the ecosystem and we remain unequivocally opposed to it. The people of the Kootenays have spoken and have made it clear that they do not want this project.

We will continue to monitor the situation, and keep you informed and updated as this process unfolds.

What you can do to help:

Stay connected and get involved by signing up to our Wild Rivers list. E-mail raelynn@ecosociety.ca

Purchase an EcoSociety membership, and help support our efforts to keep rivers wild, and protect against unsustainable and environmentally unsound development. E-mail info@ecosociety for more information on membership and its benefits.