Nelson Daily News
Mon Jun 22 2009
Byline: Colin Payne
Source: Nelson Daily News

Since the provincial government won't bring a public meeting on the Glacier-Howser independent power project to Nelson, the West Kootenay EcoSociety (WKES) is bringing Nelson to the meeting.

A public meeting will take place in Kaslo tomorrow (Tuesday) night at 7 p.m. in the JV Humphries school gymnasium as part of the Ministry of Environment's environmental assessment process for the controversial 100 Megawatt hydroelectric project planned for the PurcellMountains near Meadow Creek.

When the project was accepted for the environmental assessment process late last month, voices cried out throughout the region asking for a public meeting to be held in Nelson -- but government officials denied the request, despite pressure from three Kootenay MLAs and letters from numerous members of local governments.

But LeeAnn Unger of the WKES said her organization is undaunted by the decision.

"If they're not going to bring the meeting to us, we'll do our best to bring people to the meeting," Unger said. "People have a right to have their voices heard."

The WKES has organized a public demonstration to be held before the meeting and buses from Nelson and other communities in the West Kootenay to shuttle concerned citizens to the meeting.

"The rally is to call attention to the widespread concern that exists within the West Kootenay on the Glacier-Howser project," Unger explained. "It's a peaceful, family-oriented gathering. We'll be hearing from a few different speakers and my understanding is there'll be some music."

"It's a great opportunity for people to come together to call attention to the concern about the Glacier-Howser project and to stand in solidarity together to create positive change."

And while the demonstration may be the heart of the action, Unger said the question and comment period at the end of the public meeting is perhaps the most important part.

"That question and comment period is a very important time for people to get up and ask the difficult questions and . . . have their voices heard," she said.

The bus run from Nelson to the event leaves from CentralSchool at 5 p.m., and Unger said all are welcome on the buses. But she asked that people reserve a seat in advance because seating is limited.

To get more information or book a seat on the bus, contact the West Kootenay EcoSociety at (250) 354-1909.

© 2009 Nelson Daily News