British Columbia is known for our rushing wild rivers, tall forests, and iconic species, like wild salmon. On Vancouver Island, we have several key salmon bearing rivers that feed forests, people, and animals. The Kokish River is one of these.

The Kokish River is located on northeast Vancouver Island, 15km east of Port McNeil and 4.5km south of Telegraph Cove. The Kokish River rushes through a series of steep canyons,. Alternating between water falls and clear pools, it is an ideal stop for white water enthusiasts. Its tumultuous waters are also home to Coho, Chum, Pink, and Sockeye salmon, along with Cutthroat, Steelhead, and Rainbow Trout.

When some people see a river, like the Kokish River on Northeast Vancouver Island, they see amazing recreational potential for fishing, hiking, and kayaking. Other people, like Brookfield Asset Management, see the river as potential for energy development and profit.

Brookfield Asset Management, Canada's 30th-largest public company, has plans to build a 45 MW hydro project on this wild salmon river. The proposed project will impact close to 10 km of the river, and divert 17 important tributaries during the building phase.

This project is currently undergoing a provincial environmental assessment. Please take the time to write in now to make sure your voice is heard. We have limited time, and need your help to make a difference!

Please write before Thursday, November 18th!

Main concerns with the project:

Impact on the Watershed
The river diversion will reach close to 10 km as the water is funneled through a penstock pipe to be built 500m below the outlet of Ida Lake. Water flow will then be emptied back into the Kokish riverbed before draining into the Johnstone Straight. The penstock pipe alone will cross a total of 17 tributaries on the east side of the Kokish River, all of which will be initially diverted during the penstock pipe construction.

Wildlife and Marine Species
Important fish bearing habitat, home to several salmon and trout species including Coho, Chum, Pink, and Sockeye salmon, along with Cutthroat, Steelhead, and Rainbow Trout in the Kokish and Bonanza watershed, will be transected by this project. The project will also impact threatened species such as Olive Sided Flycatcher, the Western Screech Owl, the Common Water Shrew and Band-tailed pigeon.

Road Building and Transmission Lines
This run-of-river is expected to produce 160 to 200 gigawatt hours (GWh) of electricity per year and will include the construction of a 138 kV transmission line 500 meters long that will tie into an existing BC Hydro power grid. The project will also require the construction of a penstock pipe clearance, at times 35 meters wide, along with the clearance of 2 hectares for the powerhouse and switchboard site. Two 25 kV distribution lines may also need to be rebuilt, not to mention the three major areas identified for blasting rock. A network of secondary roads will be built to access all these construction sites. Close to 10 kms of road realignment and modifications along sections of existing forest and private roads is required. A total of 20kms will need to be upgraded for this project.

Loss of Recreational Activities
Kayakers from all over North American head to Vancouver Island for our great wild rivers. Damming the Kokish River will significantly impact recreation potential for this river, and in turn, limit tourism opportunities.

Let’s keep the Kokish River wild! Submit your public comment today!