Approve IPP or lose co-operation on other projects: Nation to SLRD
Kim Thompson
Whistler Question
The Squamish Nation weighed in heavily this week on the proposed Ashlu independent power project (IPP), with a band councillor telling regional district directors they risked losing native support for other economic developments unless they gave it the green light.
Rezoning for the revised project was officially brought before the Squamish Lillooet Regional District (SLRD) board on Monday (Jan. 30) and it seemed that all sides are ready for a fight.
The board deferred the rezoning application until the completion of an IPP Energy Strategy for the Sea to Sky corridor - essentially playing the ball back into provincial government's court.
Now all sides are left waiting to see whether Victoria will bite with the initiation of an energy plan or the SLRD will be forced to create a strategy itself.
The game started in 2002 with the original Ashlu project rezoning application. After countless meetings, the application was denied by the SLRD board based on the extent of community concern and the high value of the Ashlu as a tourism resource. The SLRD was the only approval agency to refuse the project.
The decision also included a request for a moratorium on 11 other rivers until a regional IPP strategy is developed.
Developers left the process licking their wounds and waited the mandatory cooling off period before submitting a new application. A wild card was played in early December in the form of a letter from Greg Reimer, Deputy Minister of Energy, Mines, and Petroleum Resources. In an unofficial ultimatum, Reimer wrote that the provincial government was willing to place the other rivers on the list under a water reserve, but the list excluded Callaghan Creek and the Ashlu River.
The effect would be to prohibit issuance of a new water licences for IPPs. The reserves would remain in place until studies were completed and the outcomes known. In other words, the rivers would not be exempt from power projects.
The prospect of another battle surrounding the Ashlu River has been brewing for months. As a result, delegations from nearly every interest group pleaded their case before the board of directors on Monday.
Lyle Leo and Sheldon Tetreault, representing the Lil'wat Nation, were among the first to present their thoughts on IPP situation in the Sea to Sky corridor. They presented a letter in response to Reimer's original letter.
"We have no opinion with regards to the merits of the Ashlu project but eight out of the 10 streams offered by the provincial government fall within Lil'wat Nation territory.
"We have no idea what a reserve really amounts to, but we have concerns," Tetreault said.
The Lil'wat Nation is concerned that a project outside of Lil'wat territory is being used to leverage land-use interests closer to home. In the letter, the Lil'wat Nation promised to take all steps necessary, including legal action, to ensure the deal does not occur.
Dale Harry, Squamish Nation councillor, painted a different picture of the Ashlu project. He said the Ashlu partners have gone to great lengths with strong support from every regulatory body to see the project become a reality.
"We hear a lot about a new relationship but we need to see it in practice. We've watched for many decades as non-natives have destroyed traditional lands. Most of this development was done without concern for our wishes, so how can you say no to a project that has our support?" Harry said.
Harry said it would be wrong for the SLRD to reject the project. He urged the board to consider less sensational voices in making a decision. "Recreational users have use of our whole territory. If you wish our approval on future economic developments without First Nations benefit, consider your decision," Harry said.
Other delegations included New Democrat Shane Simpson, a Member of the Legislative Assembly and environment critic for the opposition. He also expressed concerns and dared the province to enact Bill 75, which gives the province authority to overrule any local bylaw, plan or policy to advance a "provincially significant project."
Simpson predicted a backlash if that were to occur.
"This new development has appeared coercive in nature and that is not acceptable for the provincial government," Simpson said. Stuart Smith spoke on behalf of the Sea to Sky Community Coalition for Rivers and Power. He said as this issue unfolds, it seems clear that the local government is being portrayed as against IPPs. He pointed out that currently, 27 power projects are in operation and the SLRD supplies the majority of green energy in British Columbia.
"We believe a sound decision that was made by the SLRD is being portrayed negatively and becoming undermined," Smith said.With the lone exception of Whistler Mayor Ken Melamed, the board voted in favour of deferring the project until a strategy is completed. The hope is that the deferral reiterates the board resolution that no projects should be considered for approval until a consensus-based plan in completed.
"It is obvious that there is a lack of a comprehensive plan and that is something we can't live without. We have to be able to talk to one another because we can't keep doing this," said John Turner, SLRD Chair.
