In November 2011, the Province initiated a Columbia River Treaty Review process to evaluate future decision options of the Columbia River Treaty. The Columbia River Treaty Review process includes public engagement that ensures Basin residents’ interests, and the implications of Treaty options, are well understood and communicated, and that Basin residents have full opportunity to provide input and help inform the future of the Treaty. 

The Provincial Columbia River Treaty Review team conducted workshops in seven communities in the Spring of 2012 as the first phase of consultation with Canadian Columbia River Basin residents around the future of the Columbia River Treaty. The Community Consultation Summary Report provides a composite picture of interests and values expressed by Basin residents with regards to the Columbia River Treaty.

Part 1 of the report outlines what was heard during the spring community sessions, including participants’ interests, questions, and consultation suggestions as well as action items for the Province and BC Hydro.

Part 2 of the report delves into greater detail than Part 1, highlighting perspectives residents shared through various venues in different conversations throughout the Basin. It identifies a number of interests around the Columbia River Treaty Review such as a desire for a transparent and authentic process, expanding local understanding of reservoir management, assessing impacts of climate change, enhancing environmental values and finding opportunities for economic development.

The Community Consultation Report can be viewed at www.gov.bc.ca/columbiarivertreaty .