Hydroelectric power projects must stop: protesters

About 200 people protested in Nelson, B.C., against the growing number of hydroelectric power projects on area creeks.

The protesters raised banners and repeated chants Friday morning outside a lakefront hotel, where Premier Gordon Campbell was meeting with members of local governments.

Protester Jennifer Yeow, who lives near Koch Creek in the Slocan Valley, said so-called "run-of-the-river" projects on local creeks is an environmental disaster.

Rather than creating large reservoirs, these projects use run-of-the-river dams that rely on the river's natural water flow throughout the year to generate electricity.

"We are concerned about the ecosystem. We are concerned about the wildness of that creek," said Yeow, a member of the Slocan River Streamkeepers.

Campbell responded to protesters by telling reporters that run-of-the-river projects are going to be part of B.C.'s energy future.

"There are enormous energy demands that the people of the province are putting on our energy system," he said.

"Run-of-the-river is actually one of the most environmentally and cleanest ways … of providing us with energy."

Campbell said every project has to meet government standards before going ahead.