Tag Archives: Gov of BC

Environment, Indigenous Nations

Confrontations Over The Site C Dam

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By Roy L Hales
Some of local residents dropped by last Wednesday, when they saw BC Hydro clearing out an area in their gravel pit at Fort St John. They were told, “We’re making a parking lot for the protesters.” This was repeated to Ken Boon, who promptly drove over to the site. He saw the enlarged parking lot and  fencing. The President of President of the Peace Valley Landowner Association (PVLA) was wearing a “Paddle for the Peace” hat, when he approached the security guards. Boon says they, “were pretty guarded in their answers.” This story is one of many illustrations of confrontations over The Site C Dam.

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Energy

BC Has Another Net-Zero Energy Home

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Nancy Bepple isn’t a typical net-zero homeowner. She lives in an older home that wasn’t designed to be energy efficient, but Nancy happens to be one of those rare individuals who are very careful about their electricity usage. Consequently, 8 solar panels sufficed to meet her needs and BC has another net-zero energy home.

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Energy

BC’s First Commercial Solar Project is Operational

By Roy L Hales

This is going to be what some of my colleagues call a “puff piece.” More critical evaluations may follow; this is a time to celebrate. Though SunMine has actually been feeding the grid since June 22nd, the city of Kimberley just made the official announcement. BC’s First Commercial Solar Project is operational.

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Energy

BC Hydro’s Evaluation of Geothermal is Outdated

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By Roy L Hales

BC Hydro recently slammed the most likely alternative to its proposed Site C Dam project in an interview with the Vancouver SUN. The Crown Corporation’s senior strategic technology specialist, Alex Tu, said some of the projects appear promising but stressed the cost estimates are still “very uncertain” and carry a lot of risk. What Tu did not tell the newspaper is that BC Hydro’s evaluation of Geothermal is outdated.

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Politics

How Is Proceeding With Site C Not Breaking A Treaty?

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By Roy L Hales

It has been eight days since the RCMP gunned down a demonstrator in Dawson Creek. According to the Independent Investigations Office, he “approached officers in an aggressive manner and when he did not comply with directions and commands, he was shot.” It is the latest in a series of  actions, which appear to have began with the BC government’s decision to break Treaty #8. Though this aspect of the project is not often talked about, the terms of the treaty seem clear. First Nations were to have use of the lands about to be submerged as long as the sun shines, the grass grows and the river flows. So how is proceeding with Site C not breaking a treaty?

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