Columbia River Treaty turns 50, but will it reach 60?

As of today, the clock starts ticking down on one of the most important documents signed since B.C. joined confederation.

Fifty years ago, on Sept. 16, 1964, U.S.President Lyndon Johnson, Prime Minister Lester Pearson and British Columbia Premier W.A.C. Bennett met near the Peace Arch border crossing and ratifiedthe Columbia River Treaty.

• WATCH |CBC Digital Archives:Lyndon Johnson's speech at the Peace Arch

Thecross-border deal manages the flow ofthe Columbia River and has transformed the landscapefrom the B.C. Columbia and Kootenayregions through Washington State andto the Oregon coast.

Both B.C. and the U.S.are reviewing the complex treaty, which determines how water flows, dams, electricity generation and billions in revenues are managed and shared.

And, as of today, either country can unilaterally terminate the treaty with 10 years' notice.

• MORE | Why the Columbia River Treaty is a big deal

B.C. has drawn up 14 principles it would like to see addressed in a renegotiated treaty, buthas not committed to keeping or scrapping it.

• B.C. wants Columbia River Treaty renewed, with 14 tweaks

The American stance on the treaty is before the president and the State Department, which is expected to formalize andannounce its demandsthis fall.