1. Our new program: Partnering with water leaders
Water
Matters has a new program aiming to cultivate and harness the energy and talent
of watershed leaders in Alberta. Through our Water Leaders program we will
partner with local watershed advocates working on local issues to advance
better protection of Alberta's watersheds. We recognize the need for effective
voices at the grassroots levels and to strengthen the networks among those
concerned about water and water-related issues in Alberta.
Alberta Environment, under the auspices
of Water for Life, released a report
earlier this year to outline
potential sites for on-stream and off-stream water storage across Alberta. In
other words, where in the province would be good sites to build more dams?
In mid-July, a joint review panel was
announced to review the proposed Glacier Power Ltd. Hydroelectric Project near
Dunvegan on the Peace River. The project proposes a 100-megawatt
run-of-the-river infrastructure project to capture the energy of the
river. This is the project's second time
before the panel. A previous joint review panel rejected the project in March
2003 because the panel felt that the project posed an elevated risk of flooding
in the lower town of Peace River and uncertainty around fish migration. The
company had the opportunity to reapply once they addressed the panel's
concerns. Presumably they have done so.
After three years of
consultation and negotiation, the 
This summer, Water Matters and
other like-minded Alberta-based organizations sent a letter to senior federal
and provincial decision makers requesting the formal protection of the
Westslope Cutthroat Trout. Our letter
responded to the government's request for input on whether Alberta native
populations of this fish species should receive special protection under
federal laws. We responded with a resounding yes.
Hear
CBC The Current's take of the Bow River and water rights trading with Danielle Droitsch, Water Matters'
Executive Director. Watch for more discussion in our next Water Log.