BRITISH COLUMBIA – Four coastal First Nations communities are receiving $486,000 for clean energy projects as part of a funding partnership between the Province of British Columbia, Government of Canada and New Relationship Trust.
Projects include:
- the Metlakatla First Nation in Prince Rupert is receiving $39,000 for a feasibility study on an electric and/or hydrogen ferry;
- the Mowachaht/Muchalaht First Nation in Gold River is receiving $150,000 for solar photovoltaic installation;
- the Heiltsuk Tribal Council in Bella Bella is receiving $150,000 for heat pump installation; and
- the Quatsino First Nation in Coal Harbour is receiving $147,000 for heat pump installation.
Funding from the BCICEI supports the planning of clean energy generation projects, such as hydro, wind, biomass, solar, marine and geothermal projects. The BCICEI also targets energy efficiency projects and energy storage. Among its target communities, it specifically seeks to assist remote communities wherever possible in reducing dependency on fossil fuels.
Funding to communities through the BCICEI will be used for feasibility and site selection, environmental review and permitting, and project design and engineering. This allows First Nations’ clean energy and energy efficiency projects to proceed to the next step of implementation and construction when additional funding is secured.
In total, 13 communities throughout the province are receiving almost $2.8 million from the BCICEI.
Through programs like the BCICEI and Remote Community Clean Energy Strategy, the Ministry of Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources is supporting communities to develop expertise and experience in energy efficiency and clean energy generation.
“The NRT is proud to have a role in an important initiative for First Nations in BC. In the era of reconciliation, it is a collaborative effort to achieve economic growth and advance First Nations clean energy needs while contributing toward the energy transition that will have positive legacy impacts for generations to come. The unique Indigenous-led BCICEI model will hopefully inspire further partnerships between governments, industry and First Nations,” said Walter Schneider, chief executive officer, New Relationship Trust (NRT).