AWARE to dissect IPP process

Details from Pique Newsmagazine (Dec. 31/08)

The Association of Whistler Area Residents for the Environment is hosting a presentation by Gwen Barlee of the Western Canada Wilderness Committee about her concerns regarding Independent Power Producers (IPPs) on B.C. rivers. 

AWARE seeks to place particular emphasis on the Ryan River north of Pemberton, an area that has been proposed for a 145-megawatt run-of-river power project that will feed power into the Western Interconnection, a power grid that runs from British Columbia, over the Rocky Mountains and down into the United States and Baja California in Mexico. 

AWARE is seeking a moratorium on all IPPs until a comprehensive study is conducted on all proposed and existing projects that will determine which rivers are best suited for them. The association also feels that such projects should be publicly-owned. 

The Ryan, however, is only of hundreds of IPP that have popped up in British Columbia. There are also projects on Callaghan Creek; the Cheakamus River; Twentyone Mile Creek and the Birkenhead River, among others. 

The presentation will take place at the Westin Resort and Spa Ballroom on Jan. 7 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

AWARE holds bimonthly meetings at the Westin Resort and Spa Ballroom every odd month at 6 p.m. A $10 entry covers annual membership and entry to all 2009 public meetings, with the exception of the annual general meeting.