For Immediate Release

August 18, 2000

Nechako Watershed Council meets in Kitimat
Kitimat, B.C. – On August 11 to 13, 2000, approximately 30 individuals, representing a wide array of interests related to the Nechako Watershed, met in Kitimat.  The individuals, representing 23 organizations, are members of the Nechako Watershed Council (NWC).  The NWC provides a forum for organizations to discuss matters related to the Nechako River.

The meeting was opened by Mayor Rick Wozney who welcomed the NWC to Kitimat and stated the District of Kitimat’s continued support for this council.  Diane Hewlett, Economic Development Officer for the District of Kitimat, gave an informative presentation about the economic development and social benefits that Kitimat provides both to the residents of northern B.C. and the rest of the province. Alcan B.C.’s Director of Operations, Louis Delage, welcomed the NWC to a smelter tour of Alcan’s Kitimat Works which provided an opportunity for the NWC members to learn about the process of the manufacturing of aluminum and understand the importance of the power generation capacity of Kemano.

During this three-day meeting the NWC continued to study a number of important issues in the Nechako Watershed and how each relates to the Nechako River’s volume and timing of water flows, fluctuation of water levels and whether or not it is a consumptive use.  Reaching a consensus on these issues will assist in determining the best way to reallocate water flows in the Nechako River.

“Determining specific criteria for each of our identified 25 issues, gives us the ability to see how each will be affected by a water release facility at Kenney Dam,” said Henry Klassen, chair of the NWC.

Reallocating the flows in the Nechako River may help to address issues of concern to the users of the Nechako watershed.  This could resolve long outstanding conflicts along the Nechako River.