Kwadacha Approve Deal Over Williston Reservoir

By 250 News

VICTORIA, B.C.  - The Kwadacha First Nation has ratified a final agreement with BC Hydro and the Province that addresses historic damages from the creation and operation of the W.A.C. Bennett Dam and Williston Reservoir and builds opportunities for community economic and cultural development for future generations. 

Kwadacha members voted positively, with 95 per cent of the ballots cast in favour of the final agreement.

The Province, BC Hydro and Kwadacha First Nation have been negotiating the final agreement since December 2006, when an agreement in principle was signed.

The final agreement provides benefits including a one time payment of approximately $15 million to the Kwadacha First Nation and annual payments of approximately $1.6 million, with future adjustments for inflation. Most of the initial payment will establish an endowment fund that will be managed by investment professionals, offering Kwadacha First Nation the opportunity for financial returns in the future. The agreement also provides Kwadacha with business and employment
opportunities and will ensure that they are informed about BC Hydro facilities and operations that could affect them.

The Kwadacha First Nation filed a lawsuit against B.C., Canada and BC Hydro in 2001, claiming damages from the impact of the construction and operation of BC Hydro's W.A.C Bennett Dam and the Williston Reservoir.
With the ratification vote complete, litigation against the Province and BC Hydro is settled.

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