There are new applications for tidal power production around most of Quadra Island. These applications are part of a recent gold rush of private claims staked for potentially profitable energy sites all over BC. Labeled “Green” some power projects may balance-out as benign, but others come with harsh environmental and social consequences.  Permits can be issued with minimal public notice, scant information, and no public discussion regarding environmental impacts and existing community use. Permits offer developers economic momentum that can overshadow community concerns when project details are finally presented.   

Okisollo Wave and Surge Narrows, both on the north shore of Quadra Island, have been applied for as places to site tidal power generators. This means harnessing the energy that creates the waves, and building industrial infrastructure to collect and transport the power. This conflicts with existing public use, and Okisollo and Surge Narrows are also part of an already-strong local economy, based on wild natural features of the land and ocean.  Application # 1413161 is on the boundary of the Surge Narrows Marine Park, recently designated to protect the area’s high concentration of marine life. There are no major studies about power turbines and aquatic environments, but we can assume impacts would be significant, including loss of tidal current (food supply), disturbance to fish nurseries and other marine life, toxic antifouling agents, mechanical/industrial disruptions, electromagnetic fields, transmission lines including loss of trees and forestland, danger to migratory birds flyway… to name a few. This is too much risk to a marine park!  Buildings, noise and powerlines associated with a tidal power facility would also mar the natural beauty of the remote Quadra shoreline and impact Quadra’s newest (and very popular) Surge Narrows Trail.   Surge Narrows is also a well-used kayaking path and play area. Summer 2008 saw more than 1500 people kayaking in Surge Narrows, Okisollo and Octopus Islands. As a navigation channel used by large number of boaters, it is one of few access routes to the very popular Octopus Islands Marine Park. Any industrial obstruction would present a hazard to navigation and significant danger to paddlers.  Okisollo Channel generates major economic benefits for our community. This is a valuable tourism destination used by dozens of local companies. Some island businesses depend on the Okisollo and Surge Narrows tidal rapids; and BC colleges, universities, and private schools use these rapids for outdoor leadership and kayak skills training. The area has received highest praise from from two world-freestyle champions and many professional paddlers, and gained international recognition and a large audience of kayakers thanks to magazine articles and DVD’s featuring the area’s natural beauty and dramatic tidal features – especially the amazing Okisollo Wave at Cooper Point [application # 1413121 Okisollo.] This is a unique place, like nowhere else in the world! If applications are approved it may be difficult to stop industrial development in the Okisollo Channel. If you believe this area should remain wild, please voice your opinion now!  

Email: simone.engels@gov.bc.ca     Simone Engels, Land Officer,                                                                                                     Integrated Land Management Bureau
                                                                142-2080 Labieux Road
                                                                Nanaimo, BC                                                    
                                                                V9T 6J9

cc to: claire.trevena.mla@leg.bc.ca  Claire Trevena, MLA
            abramfam@oberon.ark.com   Jim Abram, Strathcona Regional District 
            okispac@gmail.com                  Okisollo Planning Advisory Committee 

optional bcc (or for more info): coastmtn@island.net Coast Mountain Expeditions
                                                             
kayaking pictures: http://www.coastmountainexpeditions.com/?q=node/98 Details: Application # 1413161 (Surge Narrows)   http://www.arfd.bc.ca/ApplicationPosting/viewpost.jsp?PostID=9798· 
Application #1413121 (Okisollo)   http://www.arfd.bc.ca/ApplicationPosting/viewpost.jsp?PostID=9464 The Applicant:  Orca Power is a new BC company, recently purchased by by Creation Casinos, Ltd., a company with casino operations in Lithuania; no previous power project.  http://www.creationcasinos.com/news.html