BCTV News Hour Access

An investigative news segment for BCTV News Hour weekend series, Community Access with Margit Nance, broadcast during the weekend news hour show in September 1976. The piece explores the role of crown corporation BC Hydro and Power Authority and resistance from residents of Revelstoke, BC to BC Hydro’s application under the Water Act to dam the Columbia River three miles upstream from the town to create the Revelstoke Dam at Dallas Creek, down stream from Mica Dam (ultimately was constructed between 1978-83). Local citizen groups opposed and organized against the dam project, appearing at public hearings and beyond to ask about the potential for catastrophic landslides endangering Revelstoke, disputing conclusions of scientific and geologic studies presented by BC Hydro and their claims of urgency to get dam online by 1982. Community members also expressed concern for rising property prices, lack of a plan to protect spawning fish, clean up the job site once construction was completed, and how the temporary boom of the dam building and influx of transient workers would negatively impact community life. Discussed and interviewed in the piece: Mica Dam; town of Revelstoke; proposed Revelstoke Dam; Galt Wilson of Revelstoke Concerned Citizens, Robert Curry, Mike Jessen of SPEC (Society Promoting Environmental Conservation), Eric Martin General Managing Engineer for BC Hydro, Darlene Barnett legal counsel for BC Hydro, MLA Bill King, Sidney Parker Revelstoke Mayor, local residents Jimmy Cameron and Cesare Bafaro. Film Eric Cable, editor Bert Darbyshire, production assistant Roberta Meilleur, director Terry Cochrane, producer Margit Nance. 18 min. 34 sec.

Director

Margit Nance for BCTV