Dam that powers Kitimat smelter target of court case – Business in Vancouver

March 10, 2021

The Regional District of Bulkley-Nechako (RDBN) is throwing its support behind the Stellat’en and Saik’uz First Nations, who are pushing Rio Tinto to tear down the Kenney dam, or at least reduce the amount of water it uses in order to restore Nechako River levels.

Tearing the dam down would have dire consequences for Rio Tinto’s aluminum smelter in Kitimat, which employs more than 1,000 people.

The Stellat’en and Saik’uz — members of the greater Nechako First Nation — have been in court trying to exercise their aboriginal rights in a nuisance claim against Rio Tinto, the aim of which is restore river levels in the Nechako.

While he said it would be nice if the BC Supreme Court ordered the dam torn down, Stellat’en Chief Robert Michell conceded that is unlikely to happen.