B.C. wildlife group concerned about risk to rainbow trout from wind farm project
Social Sharing
A B.C. wildlife non-profit is concerned new government exemptions on wind projects from environmental review processes could favour speed over the protection of rainbow trout as plans ramp up for a new wind farm in the Interior.
B.C. Hydro recently awarded a contract to Westbank First Nation and Innergex Renewable Energy for the K2 Wind project in the Pennask Mountain area, about 40 kilometres west of Kelowna.
The B.C. government plans to exempt wind projects from certain environmental assessment processes to make it faster to build renewable energy projects.
But the B.C. Wildlife Federation is worried that, without a standard process, the government might not put a "proper microscope" on the project.
"When you're trying to do things fast, you don't always get them right," said Jesse Zeman, executive director of the non-profit.
Zeman said the project is planned in a drainage area that is "extremely important" for wild rainbow trout in Pennask Lake, home to brood stock for trout hatcheries since 1927.
He said a previous nearby highway project had created problems with rocks leaching acid into the Pennask watershed.
"We're always way better off preventing these kinds of things than we are having to treat them after the fact."
Environmental reviews consolidated
Westbank First Nation Chief Robert Louie said the new government regulations won't eliminate environmental reviews but rather consolidate permitting under the B.C. Energy Regulator.
He said the process is now more streamlined, without needing cross-ministry approvals.
"I think the misunderstanding, perhaps, is that many, perhaps, think that there will be no environmental reviews at all — which is totally false," Louie said.
Westbank First Nation also has its own oversight process, including archeological and environmental reviews.
"We're not going to be shy of the experts, and then having our traditional cultural advisers also a part of this is very, very important," Louie said.
"The need for alternative power is so great that we can't afford to have inefficiency," he added.
What is the new legislation?
Zeman said he was pleased to hear Louie's comments, but added, "The issue is process."
The NDP's Bill 14, which is still going through the legislative process, would authorize the energy regulator to create a new permitting framework for renewable energy projects, similar to energy resource activities such as oil, gas and hydrogen.
"The BCER can uphold environmental protections while expediting timelines for projects to be built, rather than the three to five years it can take for the environmental assessment process," said Energy Minister Adrian Dix in an emailed statement.
Dix said the BCER ensures wildlife is protected through planning tools, oversight and "end of life restoration."
It also ensures permits are consistent with regulations under the Energy Resource Activities Act, according to Dix.
Wind farm benefits
Louie said the K2 Wind project has immense benefits.
"I think it really exemplifies the economic reconciliation component of First Nations and government, and First Nations and industry," he said, noting the K2 Wind project will bring jobs, training and business opportunities.
Westbank First Nation members will vote on the project in a referendum expected later this year.
"We want to make sure our members are fully informed, fully aligned with what we're doing," Louie said.
The wind farm is expected to be in service by 2031.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
CTV News
an hour ago
- CTV News
Keyera doubles natural gas volumes to be shipped via AltaGas terminal in B.C.
CALGARY — Keyera Corp. has reached an agreement to double the volume of liquefied petroleum gas it plans to export through a West Coast export facility being built by AltaGas Ltd. AltaGas said in February that Keyera had contracted 12,500 barrels per day of capacity to ship the gas to Asia via the Ridley Island Energy Export Facility near Prince Rupert, B.C. The companies announced Monday that will rise to 25,000 barrels per day under 15-year tolling agreements. The facility is to be used to export propane and butane in its first phase, with the possibility of expanding into ethane and other valuable liquids in the future. It's being built next to a propane export facility AltaGas already operates on Ridley Island. AltaGas says the uncertain trade environment has underscored the need for Canadian companies to diversify their export markets beyond the United States. 'AltaGas provides its customers the opportunity for protection against tariff and counter-tariff impacts and ensures access to the highest priced global markets,' it said. 'As Canadian upstream production continues to grow, we believe it is critical to connect more of Canada's vital energy products to premium global markets for the benefit of all Canadians.' This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 9, 2025. Lauren Krugel, The Canadian Press
CTV News
an hour ago
- CTV News
China tariffs bite into B.C. spot prawn season, but foodies queue for kiss of the sea
Rob MacDonald, crew member and fisherman with Salty Stew's Seafood, weighs spot prawns for a customer at False Creek Harbour Authority, Fishermen's Wharf in Vancouver, on Thursday, June 5, 2025. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Ethan Cairns Toronto resident Krista Jang showed off her 'haul' on the False Creek Fishermen's Wharf in Vancouver — a bag of sweet and meaty spot prawns, live and kicking and fresh off the boat. The actress was raised in Vancouver and spot prawn season is one of the things she misses most. Jang said she would have them 'Chinese style,' steamed and dipped in a little soy sauce and sesame oil to make the most of their 'pure and simple flavour.' 'I've had it my whole life,' she said last week of the bright orange crustaceans. 'I see that they sell (in Toronto), but it's so expensive, and it's much fresher and affordable here.' British Columbia's spot prawn season is ending this week, with live prawns selling at around $20 to $25 per pound. This spring's season began in mid-May and lasted less than a month. Domestic buyers like Jang make up only a small share of the market, but this year it was an important one, with China's 25 per cent tariffs on Canadian seafood putting a pinch on exports. China is the biggest buyer of B.C.'s spot prawns, said Christina Burridge, executive director of the BC Seafood Alliance. She said the March 20 tariffs were a 'real problem' for fishermen and exporters. 'Chinese customers don't want to pay that tariff. So, they expect that the fishermen here and the exporters will reduce their prices by at least 25 per cent, but it's impossible,' said Burridge. Mike Atkins, executive director with the Pacific Prawn Fishermen's Association, said the Chinese tariffs were the latest burden on fishermen, as the cost of bait and fishing supplies increased. 'Our exporters this year are trying to shift markets a little bit, because it's tough to get it to China with the price, so they're trying to shift back to Japan, which (once) was our main market for spot prawns,' said Atkins. 'It is really tough for the fishermen this year.' About 1,500 to 2,000 tonnes of B.C. spot prawns are landed each year, and about 80 to 90 per cent are typically exported, said Atkins. The total value of the B.C. prawn harvest in 2023 was $83 million, according to data from the Ministry of Agriculture and Food. Lynette Kershaw with Prawns on the Spot in Richmond, B.C., said their spot prawn products usually go to public customers, but they also sell a certain portion of their frozen catch to the French Creek Fresh Seafood market in Parksville, B.C., which exports to Asia. 'I think with the tariffs, and just with the world situation right now, we have had a slowdown in selling that frozen product, so that will impact us,' said Kershaw, who has been selling spot prawns on Steveston Fisherman's Wharf for six years. But there hadn't been any slowdown in sales from local customers at the wharf. 'I think that's because the people who enjoy spot prawns know that it's a local delicacy. They know that it's a very short amount of time … I think people just want to treat themselves,' said Kershaw. A TASTING, PREPARED BY A 'LEGEND' Back at False Creek, fisherman Stewart McDonald and his crew were doling out bags of kicking prawns from a blue tank. Among those patiently waiting for a meal was a heron that the fishermen said was named Frank, prowling the wharf, and a plump harbour seal named Sparky, bobbing in the water and waiting for a handout. McDonald has spent 20 years harvesting spot prawns and selling them at the wharf. He said he can't complain about the market due to huge demand from loyal local customers queuing for a taste. Spot prawn season didn't use to be a big deal, but now it's celebrated, said McDonald. 'It's kind of like turned into a social event, like go wine tasting or pick apples or berries,' he said. 'People look forward to this prawn season because it's only a short time, and it's earlier than most of the crops. The berries and the fruit hasn't come out yet, but the prawns are incredible … and people love them.' McDonald pointed out a particularly loyal customer, Dragon Watanabe, dragging a five-pound bucket of prawns to his car. He said he was buying for his uncle's restaurant — and issued a spontaneous invitation to see them prepared by 'a legend.' Watanabe's uncle, it turns out, is 75-year-old chef Hidekazu Tojo, reputed as the inventor of the California roll, and one of the most famous Japanese chefs in Canada. His restaurant, Tojo's, goes through 20 to 25 pounds of spot prawns from McDonald's boat each day during the season. 'Stewart brought us very high-quality ingredients, that's why I respect him, we are good friends,' said Tojo of a 20-year relationship that has included going out on McDonald's boat. In the kitchen, Tojo dropped three prawns into a pot of boiling water for precisely one minute and 45 seconds — any longer and the meat would be tough, he said. He lifted them out and gently peeled them, dressing them with a vinaigrette of cilantro and minced jalapeno and plating them with a few slices of melon. There's subtle heat from the jalapeno, in contrast to the slight sweetness of the prawns. Next is a 'Tojo's golden roll,' a sushi roll filled with raw spot prawns, Dungeness crab, and salmon, topped with herring roe. There's an explosion of briny freshness in the mouth. It tastes like kissing the sea. This report by Nono Shen, The Canadian Press, was first published June 9, 2025.
National Post
2 hours ago
- National Post
Competition Bureau sues DoorDash for allegedly misleading customers over fees
Canada's competition watchdog is suing DoorDash Inc. and its Canadian subsidiary, accusing it of marketing its online delivery services at a lower price than what consumers actually wind up paying. Article content The Competition Bureau alleged Monday that an investigation found DoorDash customers were unable to purchase food and other items at prices advertised on the food delivery company's websites and mobile apps because of mandatory fees added at checkout. Article content Article content Article content The extra charges range from service and delivery fees to amounts sought for couriering things a further distance, placing smaller orders or making purchases in B.C., where DoorDash has to comply with minimum wage regulations for gig workers. Article content Article content The bureau alleged the charges were sometimes framed as if they were taxes, when in reality, they are charges imposed at DoorDash's discretion. Article content The fees resulted in customers paying higher prices than advertised and amounted to a deceptive practice known as drip pricing, which the bureau alleges DoorDash may have used for close to a decade to make nearly from $1 billion from mandatory fees. Article content The bureau wants the company to stop the practice, cease portraying fees as taxes, pay a penalty and issue restitution to affected consumers. Article content DoorDash is pushing back on the requests, saying 'it does not hide fees from consumers or mislead them in any way.' Article content 'This application is a misguided and excessive attempt to target one of Canada's leading local commerce platforms,' DoorDash spokesperson Trent Hodson said in a statement to The Canadian Press. Article content Article content 'It unfairly singles out DoorDash, and we intend to vigorously defend ourselves against these claims.' Article content The Competition Bureau has been more aggressive in its fight against drip pricing since the Competition Act was amended in June 2022 to more clearly distinguish the practice as harmful, giving regulators more room to pursue companies who engage in such activity. Article content The bureau accused Cineplex Inc. of drip pricing in May 2023, eventually winning a $38.9-million fine against the movie theatre giant, which is contesting the decision from the Competition Tribunal. Article content Other recent Competition Bureau targets for drip pricing have included SiriusXM Canada, Discount Car & Truck Rentals Ltd. and TicketNetwork. Article content Its Door Dash court filing shows it is going after the business for making 'false or misleading representations' because 'when consumers go online to order, they expect these services to deliver not just food, but also honest pricing.' Article content 'Consumers expect that the price they see advertised will match what they ultimately pay,' the bureau's application said. Article content
