Bear Flat Dispatch: From River to Reservoir

A week ago, we lived on the Peace River here at Bear Flat, but now it is a reservoir. 

We had known for some time it would come to this, but it was always hard to imagine.  The speed at which the flooding has occurred in the valley has been shocking for everyone.   Bear Flat is the first place where the valley is visible coming from Fort St. John on Highway 29, and traffic has slowed down dramatically and often stopped as folks absorb the changing landscape.  It is akin to driving past a bad auto wreck that you just can’t help but look at.  For valley residents and those who have utilized the valley, it has been especially discombobulating to watch landmarks and places full of memories disappear underwater.  

Wildlife in the path of the rising water are obviously also surprised by the rapid rate of flooding.  A friend has been following the flooding of the river flats and islands as it moves upstream to photograph wildlife as they attempt to swim out through rafts of floating debris.  Some of the images are disturbing.  Meanwhile, the BC Hydro employed “environmental monitors” are simply sitting at highway pullouts absorbing some of the cash flow.

Only one week has dramatically changed the valley, but of course it will take months before the flooding is done.  I suppose at some point there will be the “big reveal” of the new name for the reservoir.  I am somewhat surprised that the local First Nations would want to have anything to do with naming the destruction of a river valley, but government and BC Hydro are keen to engage First Nations on such things.  In my humble opinion, they might as well stick with the “Site C” handle this project has carried for almost 50 years, but I suppose that has too much stench and baggage attached.

Many years of turmoil have led to this point, and it is simply exhausting.  I could go on, but ranting while in my current state of mind is probably not wise, so I will leave it at that.  However, I hope that we soon learn to recognize our mistakes and do better than dam rivers which are literally the lifeblood of our ecosystems.

Ken Boon