Ashlu River Update

[shanerobinson]

I attended the final meeting for the proposed IPP (Independent Power Project) on the Ashlu River on Nov. 17th. At the meeting, the Squamish-Lilloeet Regional District (SLRD) stated that they had received about 100 letters prior to the meeting with approximately 80 in opposition. Of those 80, 50 were from the river industry (rafters and kayakers) and 30 were from kayakers in the US. Thanks to everyone who wrote! There were over 200 people who attended the meeting including several members of the Squamish Nation (the indigenous people who were bused in by Ledcor, the company that will run the project) and employees of Peter Kewiet (the contractor who will build the project, who also told his employees to attend via their paychecks). I would say the majority of the people who voiced their opinion at the meeting were in opposition, however, the end of the meeting found many of the above groups standing up in support of the project. It was an emotional meeting and at the end it started to take a kayakers v. Squamish Nation tone. The SLRD board has now closed the comment period. They have a difficult decision ahead and may decide on their Dec. 17th meeting.

The community is very polarized over this issue, much like the US during the presidential race. Our strong opposition (as kayakers) has brought about some resentment from the Squamish Nation, and I just want to remind everyone that we are a visible group (with big orange and yellow boats on our car roofs). Don’t forget to respect private property and speed limits in residential areas in the Ashlu region and everywhere else.

Thanks again to everyone who took the time to write a letter. I will try to update everyone on this issue as soon as I know more.

Shane Robinson

[localpaddler]

I am really glad I wrote a letter now. I how everything works out in the Dec meeting. -Luke