Energy-efficient upgrades support Dease River First Nation

Press Release

Dec. 6, 2016

GOOD HOPE LAKE – An investment of $128,120 from British Columbia’s First Nations Clean Energy Business Fund will help members of the Dease River First Nation save energy, reduce greenhouse-gas emmissions and keep money in their community by saving on utility costs.

The investment in the Dease River First Nation Energy Efficiency project will allow the nation to complete energy-efficiency retrofits in community buildings and homes. This includes:

• Installing programmable thermostats in all homes, saving 5-15% on annual heating bills by turning down the heat when buildings aren’t in use;
• Insulating exposed hot-water pipes;
• Installing water-saving showerheads;
• Upgrading to LED lighting, which consumes less energy; and,
• Replacing poorly functioning gas-fired furnaces in residential and community buildings. Many of the latter were installed in 1981 and are failing.

This investment has the added benefits of reducing renovation and maintenance costs by increasing the durability of homes, building capacity in the community to include energy efficiency for future developments, and reducing greenhouse-gas emissions and the effect on the environment.

Funding for these projects and other agreements is part of the Province’s commitment to reconciliation with First Nations. This includes ensuring more nations are involved in economic opportunities that can make their communities and the rest of the province stronger.

John Rustad, Minister of Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation –

“Good Hope Lake is powered with electricity that is generated by diesel so it’s important to support the Dease River First Nation’s efforts to make the most efficient use of electricity. This investment through the First Nations Clean Energy Fund will support Dease River to save money now and build capacity to include energy-efficient technology in any future community projects.”

Chief Ruby Johnny, Dease River First Nation –

“Good Hope Lake faces specific challenges that come with long summer days and cold winter nights. Getting support to transition our community to more energy-efficient technologies like LED lighting and programmable thermostats will help us respect our environment and enjoy our community.”

Bill Bennett, Minister of Energy and Mines –

“Good Hope Lake is in a very remote location and bringing contractors and materials into the community is expensive, adding a premium to any desired upgrades or work. Supporting the Dease River First Nation to get this work done will help align local energy-efficient technologies with the values of the Dease River First Nation and their respect for the Kaska Nation’s traditional territory.”

Quick Facts:

• Dease River First Nation is part of the Kaska Nation.
• The community of Good Hope Lake is located just south of the Yukon border on Highway 37.
• The climate of north-central B.C. is characterized by long days and short nights during the summer months, with 22 hours of daylight in mid-summer and temperatures ranging between 15 C and 30 C.
• Most of the region experiences snowfall from the middle of November until the middle of March.
• Good Hope Lake has 29 houses, one duplex unit, and several community buildings, including a band office, fire hall, recreation hall, general store, gymnasium, day care, guest accommodation, maintenance shed and a powerhouse.
• The B.C. First Nations Clean Energy Business Fund provides equity funding up to $500,000 and capacity development funding up to $50,000 to support First Nations with feasibility studies or engagement with private-sector proponents of clean-energy projects.
• Since the fund was introduced in 2010, more than 110 First Nations communities have benefited from nearly $8.2 million in capacity and equity funding for participation in ocean and wind energy, biomass, run-of-river hydroelectric power, clean-energy planning and related projects.
• The fund also allows First Nations with revenue-sharing agreements to receive a portion of water and land rents charged by the Province for new clean-energy projects.
• British Columbia has 42 clean-energy revenue-sharing agreements with 33 First Nations.

Learn More:

Dease River First Nation: ow.ly/QCbE304R6eR

Or at: ow.ly/aQra304R7e4

B.C. First Nations Clean Energy Business Fund: ow.ly/po66304R5WhMedia Contact:Edward Hill
Ministry of Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation
(250) 356-5831

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