Three First Nations on Vancouver Island are among 10 across the province to receive funding to develop alternative energy projects and make their communities more energy-efficient.
In total, the 10 communities will receive nearly $3 million from the British Columbia Indigenous Clean Energy Initiative, which is funded through a clean-energy funding partnership between the province, the federal government and the B.C.-based non-profit New Relationship Trust.
Funding supports the planning and development of clean-energy generation projects, such as run of river, wind, biomass, solar, marine and geothermal.
The initiative also includes support for energy-efficiency projects and energy storage, which will help remote communities to reduce their dependency on fossil fuels, including diesel generators.
Funding for projects on Vancouver Island include:
• Uchucklesaht Tribe Government (consisting of two villages in Barkley Sound): $299,975 toward a hydropower facility at Uchuck Creek to generate electricity for the village of Ehthlateese. The 219-kilowatt diesel generators that supply the village with electricity have reached their limits.
• Ka:’yu:’k’t’h’/Che:k:tles7et’h’ First Nations (in Kyuquot Sound): $112,500 toward the replacement of above-ground power lines and infrastructure with an underground distribution line throughout the community of the Houpsitas.
• Penelakut Tribe (on Penelakut Island, south of Thetis Island): $70,550 toward installation of a 60-kW solar photovoltaic system, plus 27 kW of battery storage at the community school.
“Through the CleanBC Roadmap to 2030, our government is working to build a cleaner, better future together with Indigenous Peoples,” said George Heyman, Minister of Environment and Climate Change Strategy. “By investing in clean energy in remote Indigenous communities, we’re helping replace diesel power, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and increase energy independence for First Nations.”
Murray Rankin, B.C.’s minister of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation, said: “Developing clean-energy sources that suit the needs of individual communities is a fundamental part of First Nations’ ability to take control of their own community infrastructure, contribute to a greener economy and create employment opportunities for their members.
“A sustainable energy future is a goal we share with First Nations and everyone in B.C., and projects like the British Columbia Indigenous Clean Energy Initiative play a valuable role in bringing that future into the present.”
Launched in 2016 and renewed in 2019, the British Columbia Indigenous Clean Energy Initiative has funded six projects, many in remote, off-grid or diesel-dependent communities, totalling almost $12 million. The initiative’s investments have been used to leverage $37.2 million in Indigenous and partner funding to finance hydro, solar, geothermal, biomass, wind and demand-side management projects.
Through the Indigenous Services Canada’s Strategic Partnership Initiative, Ottawa has invested $4.5 million in renewed funding over three years, in addition to an original $4.2-million investment.
