This isn’t the first time that there has been disputes over logging in the Chapman Creek Watershed. In response to complaints from the Sunshine Coast Regional District (SCRD), in 2014 the ‘Managed Forest Council hired Madrone Environmental Services to ascertain the cause of “increased turbidity” in the water supply (which services up to 30,000 households). Geoscientist Gordon Butt pointed to logging after the “onset of the fall rains” and concluded, “Although there has been no clear contravention of the regulations, it is clear to me that industry standards for protecting water quality have not been met in CH1. The short-comings are substantially more serious given the fact that this logging has been carried out in a highly sensitive watershed supplying a large population.” [1] When AJB Investments resumed logging operations in late January of this year, Elphinstone Logging Focus (ELF) responded with a blockade. The latest attempt at negotiation has just broken down and the month long siege of Chapman Creek continues.
Tag Archives: Gov of BC
The Treaty Canada Wants To Forget
By Roy L Hales
Chief Roland Willson, of West Moberly First Nation, said his people celebrated the 100th anniversary of Treaty #8 in 2014. One of the provisions is that they will be allowed to use the land about to be submerged by the Site C Dam “as long as the sun shines, the grass grows and the river flows.” This appears to be the Treaty Canada wants to forget.
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Did the Government Create BC’s Future Energy Shortfall?
By Roy L Hales
According to BC Hydro, the province may cease to produce sufficient energy by 2027. If Premier Christy Clark’s dreams of developing an LNG export industry go forward, it could happen as early as 2021. According to internationally recognized energy expert Marvin Shaffer, this situation is “a result of the provincial government’s misguided decision to close the gas-fired Burrard Thermal plant.”[1. page 15, Affidavit #1 of Marv Shaffer, BC Hydro vs Keen Boon et al, Supreme Court of British Columbia, No.8159064 VancouverRegistry] Did the Government Create BC’s Future Energy Shortfall?
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BC Hydro Seeks An Injunction for Site C
By Roy L Hales
BC Hydro seeks an injunction to prevent Peace River Residents “from obstructing or interfering with the construction of the Site C Clean Energy Project.” In one of his three affidavits before the Supreme Court of British Columbia, Michael Savidant, Commercial Manager of the Site C Energy Project, claims that the cost of delaying this project will amount to approximately $420 million.
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BC signed a five year accord with the Tsilhqot’in Nation
It has been almost two years since the Supreme Court of Canada recognized Aboriginal title in the caretaker area of the Xeni Gwet’in, one of six Tsilhqot’in communities. In item 153 of that decision, it says ” … British Columbia breached its duty to consult owed to the Tsilhqot’in through land use planning and forestry authorizations.” Now, as the first step towards a lasting settlement, BC signed a five year accord with the Tsilhqot’in Nation.