MoveUP’s Take Back the Power campaign joined former Environment Minister and broadcaster Rafe Mair for the Rivers at Risk tour on Sunday night in Nelson.

The event, held at the Nelson United Church, was packed to the rafters with about 300 people in attendance. Nelson residents had their curiosity piqued by extensive preliminary coverage in local papers, which included a vehement defence of provincial energy policy by Minister Neufeld.

During his speech Mair, who is spokesperson for the Save our Rivers Society, challenged Neufeld’s assertions and called the Energy Minister to have a public debate. Mair spoke at length about the expense and relative low value of run-of-river power supply, and the potential ecological damages.

The Take Back the Power presentation focused on the flaws of the BC Energy plan as identified by economist Dr. Marvin Shaffer, as well as the secretive outsourcing deal with Bermuda-based multinational corporation Accenture.

Independent filmmaker Damien Gillis debuted his new video detailing the struggle local residents have had with the proponents of the locally proposed Glacier-Howser run-of-river project.

Lee-Ann Unger of the West Kootenay Eco Society was the last presenter of the evening and spoke at length about the details of the Glacier-Howser project, and about the multitude of water licence applications in the Kootenay region.

The Rivers at Risk tour will continue through the West Kootenays with dates in Nakusp on December 2, Meadow Creek on December 3, Kaslo on December 4 and ending in Rossland on December 5. Contact the West Kootenay Eco Society at (250) 354-1909 or info@ecosociety.ca