BC Hydro and Columbia Power to complete Arrow Lakes Reservoir boat ramp improvement
Castlegar, BC – BC Hydro and Columbia Power are pleased to announce a partnership to complete the remaining Arrow Lakes Reservoir boat ramp improvement projects. Under the terms of the agreement, Columbia Power will manage the construction of the three ramps. The projects are the replacement of the Nakusp ramp, a new ramp at Anderson Point, and upgrades to the existing Edgewood boat ramp.
The designs for the remaining projects have been developed by BC Hydro in collaboration with the local communities. BC Hydro believes that Columbia Power’s local knowledge and relationships will further benefit communities associated with the Arrow Lakes Reservoir boat ramp improvement projects.
Columbia Power will be managing the development, construction and commissioning of the three ramps and will keep the community updated on a regular basis. Audrey Repin, Director of Stakeholder Relations and Communications for Columbia Power, will coordinate a series of meetings beginning this spring to bring residents and key stakeholders up to date about the ramps and next steps on the projects.
BC Hydro is committed to improving summer recreational boat access in Arrow Lakes Reservoir as recommended by the Columbia River Water Use Plan. In 2011, BC Hydro upgraded boat ramps at Fauquier and McDonald Creek Park and built a new boat ramp near Burton.
The projects have been ordered by the Comptroller of Water Rights and, once the projects are complete, BC Hydro will maintain the boat ramps. The ramps are scheduled to be useable in 2013.
Quotes
Hon. Rich Coleman, Minister of Energy and Mines:
“These new and improved boat ramps will provide better access to the Arrows Lake Reservoir for residents and tourists alike. This will result in increased tourism and economic benefits for the area.”
Charles Reid, Acting President & CEO, BC Hydro
“BC Hydro is committed to benefiting the communities in which we operate. Partnering with Columbia Power builds on that commitment and also satisfies recommendations set out by the Columbia River Water Use Plan and our water licence to provide and improve boater access to the reservoir.”
Jane Bird, President & CEO, Columbia Power Corporation
"This is a good partnership between BC Hydro and Columbia Power. We understand the boat ramp requirements, and look forward to working with local communities as we build them.”
About BC Hydro
Fifty years ago, British Columbians turned to BC Hydro to build the clean electricity system they count on to power B.C.'s economy, create jobs in every region, and keep the lights on. Now, BC Hydro is building again for the next 50 years. B.C. continues to grow and so has the need for more electricity. That’s why BC Hydro is building and renewing electricity infrastructure, and encouraging conservation to meet today’s needs and those of future generations.
Visit BC Hydro’s web site at www.bchydro.com or follow us on twitter: @bchydro
About Columbia Power Corporation
Columbia Power Corporation is a crown corporation wholly owned and controlled by the Province of British Columbia. Columbia Power’s mandate is to manage assets and undertake power project investments as the agent of the Province. For more information about Columbia Power Corporation, please visit: www.columbiapower.org.
- 30 -
For more information, contact:
BC Hydro Media Relations
Direct: 604-928-6468
Audrey Repin
Director, Stakeholder Relations & Communications
Columbia Power Corporation
Direct: 250 304 6044
Mobile: 250 365 9502