The Kemano hydro facility, built in the 1950s by Alcan to power an aluminum smelter in Kitimat, British Columbia, has had significant social and environmental impacts on the Nechako River and the First Nations communities. As the demand for hydropower increases through the transition to a clean economy, there are opportunities to improve the legacy of this project. In 2019, Rio Tinto Alcan (RTA) initiated the Nechako Water Engagement Initiative, a public process that aims to balance the interests of different stakeholders and enhance water management in the Nechako River. The multistakeholder initiative involves First Nations, all levels of government, and the public. The first phase of the initiative is complete and the outcomes include targets for a flow management regime, future scientific studies, and physical works to address water management issues. This poster session will showcase the approach taken by the Nechako Water Engagement Initiative, and explore the challenges and opportunities for collaborative water management in legacy hydro projects.

Poster Presented by: Trinity Consultants