The Impact of the Ashlu Green Power Plant on Kayaking
The upper 24 km of Ashlu Creek will remain free flowing and will not be impacted by this project. This includes the Upper Creek Run, Play Run and the Upper Mine Run.
Along the affected lower portion of the creek:
1) Flows will be decreased to desired levels during spring run-off
2) Flows will be increased on the weekends of the ‘shoulder’ seasons
3) Ledcor can also assure that Ashlu flow information is available on a website.
For the affected lower runs (lower end of the Mine Run and the Commitment Canyon and Lower Canyon Runs), the diversion of water will reduce high flows during spring run-off (late May to mid-August) to more desirable levels for kayaking. In early May, late August and throughout September, water will be released on weekends to provide kayakers with desired water levels for the lower runs (see attached graph). The governing agency for this approval, the Canadian Coast Guard, has approved this approach.
These modifications will provide kayakers with paddling opportunities for five (5) consecutive months from May to September.
View full version of this diagram (PDF)
How will kayaking on the Ashlu improved?
While the amount of kayaking that is available on Ashlu Creek and the times of year the kayaking is optimal can be debated based upon skill and the preferred water levels of the individual kayaker, it has been pointed out by many that the optimal kayaking season in the affected lower section, "The Box" or "Commitment Canyon" has traditionally been the late summer and early fall (mid August to late September). In some years, like 2005, elite kayakers reported only two to three weeks of optimal kayaking in "The Box".
When some of the water in the lower portion of Ashlu Creek is diverted for power generation, the water level in “The Box” will be closer to the optimal late summer/early fall levels in June, July and early August, when the spring runoff typically makes the water levels too high for kayaking. In addition, with the scheduled flow releases during the weekends of the spring (May) and late summer/early fall (August and September), as agreed upon with the Canadian Coast Guard during its review of the project, this will ensure that kayaking can still be enjoyed on every weekend in the spring, summer and fall.
An on-line, Internet-based flow meter, and possibly a web cam, will ensure that those considering making the trip up to the Ashlu to run “The Box” or other areas can check the flows before they leave home.
Through this innovative approach by the Canadian Coast Guard, Ledcor and members of the kayaking community, the Ashlu Creek Green Power Project and recreational users will share the use of a provincial resource, allowing power generation and recreation to co-exist on the same stream.
Ledcor continues to seek dialogue with the kayaking community and is open to working on ways to improve kayaking and outdoor recreation in the area.
