The Columbia Basin Trust (CBT) was created in 1995 to support efforts by the people of the Basin to create a legacy of social, economic and environmental well-being in the Canadian portion of the Columbia River Basin—the region most affected by the Columbia River Treaty (CRT).
Organization History
During the creation of the CRT, Basin residents weren’t adequately consulted for their views, concerns or solutions. In the early 1990s, residents, local officials and representatives from regional districts and tribal councils joined together to coordinate efforts, forming the Columbia River Treaty Committee. Reflecting the desires of the people of the Basin, the committee approached the Province of BC and successfully negotiated:
- that funds be allocated to the region, representing a fair share of the ongoing benefits being realized outside of the Basin as a result of the CRT
- that a regional organization, governed by a board of Basin residents, be created to manage those funds.
A binding agreement was established resulting in the Province providing:
- $276 million to finance power project construction
- $45 million, which the Trust used as an endowment
- $2 million per year from 1995 to 2010 for operations.
Organization Mission
The Columbia Basin Trust (CBT) supports efforts by the people of the Basin to create a legacy of social, economic, and environmental well-being and to achieve greater self-sufficiency for present and future generations.
Organization Vision
The Trust is guided by a long-term vision of itself as a regional corporation, having:
- a successful portfolio of investments in the Basin that help stimulate the regional economy and provide a reliable stream of income for use in the Trust’s Delivery of Benefits activities.
- a proven track record of delivering social, economic and environmental benefits to the Basin and its residents.
- well-established and productive working relationships with others in the Basin whose activities relate to the Trust’s mandate.
- consistent and widespread public support for the Trust’s activities, based on meaningful public input and the Trust’s responsiveness to the needs of the Basin and its people.
The Trust will work toward a long-term vision for the future of the Basin, where:
- the Basin is a place where social, economic and environmental well-being is fostered.
- collaborative relationships and partnerships are established across the Basin, communities work together in a spirit of mutual support and respect for each others’ differences, residents identify with a Basin culture and feel a sense of belonging to a Basin community, and residents are involved in community decision making.
- a healthy environment is the basis for social and economic activities, and residents are committed to long-term and enduring stewardship of the Basin’s natural resources.
- the economy of the Basin is diverse, resilient and energized; communities are responsive to both the needs of the present and the future; community enhancement initiatives are widely supported and residents share responsibility for their implementation; and practical and innovative investments in the Basin serve to increase the range of options for present and future generations.
Current Board Members
· Chair: Rick Jensen
· Vice-Chair: Laurie Page
· Larry Binks
· Wendy Booth
· Gord DeRosa
· Corky Evans
· Am Naqvi
· Loni Parker
· David Raven
· Rhonda Ruston
· Vickie Thomas
· Jeannette Townsend
Contact
Website
P: 1-800-505-8998
Email: info@cbt.org
