District to Swift River Energy Ltd: Hold off on Bala Falls hydro plant for now

District Council wants Swift River Energy Ltd to hold off on development of its Bala Falls hydro plant until Wahta First Nation gets its concerns addressed. In a letter to Swift River dated September 24th, District Chair John Klinck asks that the company show good faith until the ‘Duty to Consult’ issue is resolved. Wahta First Nation has reported they were not consulted enough by different levels of government on the issues at Bala Falls – namely the Provincial decision to ban portaging at the site. We’ll have Swift River’s reaction in the coming days.  (PHOTO: Wahta First Nation Chief Philip Franks (centre) at the portage-in protest held at Bala Falls earlier this summer. Photo by Matt Sitler)