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.

Working closely with people who live in the Basin, CBT develops and delivers programs and initiatives that respond to their needs and supports communities. By focusing on local priorities and issues, bringing people together around key issues, providing information, encouraging collaboration, and supporting planning, CBT is delivering benefits to the residents of the Columbia Basin. Learn more about how CBT works with communities.

Using the income earned from the Investment Program, CBT's Delivery of Benefits activities supports programs and initiatives which focus on fostering quality of life and addressing critical issues in the Basin.

Columbia Basin Trust (CBT) was created in 1995 to promote social, economic and environmental well-being in the Canadian portion of the Columbia River Basin - the region most affected by the Columbia River Treaty.

Despite the significant changes that occurred across the Columbia Basin as a result of the Treaty, there was a lack of consultation with residents. The people of the Basin came together in the early 1990s to press the Province of BC for recognition of the injustice of this situation. Local governments coordinated their efforts (at the regional district and tribal council levels and in partnership with elected officials) under the formation of the Columbia River Treaty Committee, in order to approach and negotiate with the Province.

Negotiations were successful and, in 1995, Columbia Basin Trust was established. A binding agreement was also established which resulted in the following for the residents of the Basin through Columbia Basin Trust:

• $276 million to finance power project construction;
• $45 million, which CBT used as an endowment; and
• $2 million per year from 1996 to 2010 for operations.