The CCKV is an active community group who through
the efforts of many individuals continues to make water, air and environmental issues top priority and work towards their continued
protection. If you have concerns about any issue you think we might be able to help with please don’t hesitate to contact us. Erika
Tafel (250) 446-2156
History of the CCKV
The CCKV was first formed in the late seventies when a small group of Boundary
citizens became aware and concerned that Norcen Energy Resources’ had been actively doing uranium research in the area. The Blizzard claim, Norcen’s most promising, located between the main branch of the Kettle River and its primary tributary the West Kettle,
was of particular concern to the budding group.
After learning as much as they could about uranium and its health effects, the group
began to host public meetings about what they had been learning.
They staged many successful motorcades that brought awareness to the
community however they were not always met with community support. In October of 1978 they organized one of their most successful
motorcades. The British Colombian media loving their colourful antics covered it extensively and when the Boundary began seeing their
neighbours on TV protecting their watershed, support grew. A public meeting in Rock Creek that same month with media present
saw the tides change and a small community’s concerns now mushroomed into a whole province of informed citizens ready to show resistance
to uranium exploration and mining.
In Sept. 1979 the BC government announced that a Royal Commission on Uranium mining in the Province
would be mounted and as the inquiry proceed it became clear to the public that its purpose was not to determine how uranium could
be mined safely, but what degree of “safe” was acceptable to those in authority. With public demonstrations and mounting resistance
in Feb. 1980 Premier Bill Bennett proclaimed a seven year moratorium on uranium exploration and mining and put an end to a half finished
Royal Bates Commission.
The CCKV breathed a sigh of relief and began a well deserved rest.
The CCKV Today
Due to the renewed interest in the Blizzard uranium claim potential, the lapse of the 7 year uranium moratorium
and the skyrocketing price of that deadly element the CCKV reactivated and began organizing again a public campaign to inform the
community and the Province of the dangers associated with uranium exploration and mining.
Just short of 30 years has passed and the CCKV is still a relatively small group of individuals brought together by a mutual concern for their local environment. Much like the CCKV of the past, today’s core group is really congealed by association and commitment and while there are a handful of volunteers who do the organising and managerial necessities, there are many who call themselves CCKV members and support and aid in what we do. We welcome everyone's ideas equally and through the diverse interests of our membership, we enjoy the widespread networking that develops