Powerhouse Developments Inc. has been granted a five-year extension to its Environment Assessment Certificate for the Cascade Heritage Power Project at Christina Lake.
So heard the three members of the public who attended the Aug. 8 meeting of Greenwood city council.
The city had been copied an announcement from the assessment manager with the Environment
Assessment Office (EAO) because of the city’s record of criticism for the project. Powerhouse Developments cited the need for an electricity purchase agreement with BC Hydro as the reason for not having substantially started the project.
Both the Regional District of Kootenay Boundary and the Village of Midway had complained that changes had occurred since the original certificate was issued, however, the EAO determined that the issues raised were either considered during the certification or can be adequately addressed by the certificate.
The deadline has been extended to Aug. 3, 2016; the project must be substantially started by that day or the certificate will expire.
All other conditions and requirements previously specified in the certificate and related schedules remain in effect.
Greenwood Coun. Christopher Stevenson called the extension disappointing after the regional district had opposed it.
Local elected officials have been concerned that the planned development would tie up all available water rights and therefore limit options for future water users.
– Pat Kelly, Boundary Creek Times