STETSKI SECURES PROTECTION FOR COLUMBIA RIVER WETLANDS

STETSKI SECURES PROTECTION FOR COLUMBIA RIVER WETLANDS

OTTAWA – NDP MP Wayne Stetski (Kootenay – Columbia) has successfully lobbied the federal government to introduce regulations to keep high-powered motorized boats off the main channel of the Columbia River.

“The need for this kind of protection has been discussed in the Columbia Valley for more than a decade, and I promised voters to get results from the federal government,” Stetski said. “I am proud to have been part of today’s resolution.”

In February, Stetski wrote to the Minister responsible and urged him to restart the regulation process to restrict high-powered boats beyond 20-horsepower in the main channel of the Columbia River. In the spring Transport Canada published the proposed regulation and on Wednesday it officially came into force.

“The Columbia River is a world-renowned ecosystem that supports thousands of birds, fish, and other species,” Stetski said. “These regulations will help to mitigate degradation of the river’s habitat and the negative impacts that high speed boats can have on wildlife.”

The regulations will not impact motorized use of Columbia Lake or Lake Windermere.