Ban on wetlands traffic and towing adopted

Sally Waddington
Columbia Valley Pioneer
September 4, 2009

It is now against the law to drive a power boat in the Columbia Wetlands outside of the main channel of the Columbia River.

What’s more, all recreational towing is banned between Fairmont and Golden on the Columbia River, excluding Lake Windermere.

On August 20th, Transport Minister John Baird announced the changes to the federal Vessel Operation Restriction Regulations.

“These regulatory changes are the result of grassroots consultation and cooperation,” Minister Baird said. “The new measures will improve navigation safety and help the environment.”

The new laws are the first of a two-part amendment. Transport Canada is currently proposing a ban of power boats with more than 20 horsepower on the main channel of the Columbia River.

A series of open houses was held in July to gather public opinion of the proposed ban. Now Transport Canada is considering the submissions before it too becomes law.

Debate over boating restrictions has been going on since August 1997, when the B.C. Ministry of Environment banned powered vessels of more than 10 horsepower. While that restriction was later overturned, discussion has continued ever since.

In June 2007, an organization called the Columbia Wetlands Stewardship Partners was formed. It consists of representatives from 31 East Kootenay groups with interest in the wetlands.

Ellen Zimmerman of Wildsight is a member of the partnership. She said the new laws are a small victory in the face of the proposed 20-horsepower ban.

“I wish I could wholeheartedly celebrate the two parts of the regulation, but it is a bit like a two-legged stool,” she said. “Without the third all-important part, it just won’t work.”

Ms. Zimmerman said that only with restrictions on the main channel will the wetlands be protected.

“The Columbia Wetlands are one big system, and what goes on in the main channel impacts the entire system,” she said. “High-powered boats roaring around in the main channel have potentially serious impacts on wildlife and on the ecosystem of the wetlands.”