Splatsin First Nation shares clean energy revenue

Press Release –

August 25, 2014

ENDERBY – A new agreement with the B.C. government will enable the Splatsin First Nation to receive provincial revenues from the Cranberry Creek Hydroelectric project.

This provincial revenue-sharing agreement is made possible by B.C.’s First Nations Clean Energy Business Fund, which aims to promote increased First Nations participation in the clean energy sector.

The Cranberry Creek Hydroelectric project is a run-of-river facility that expands the existing South Cranberry Creek hydro power facility located 25 kilometres south of Revelstoke, near Shelter Bay. A three-megawatt turbine, generating an estimated 9.8 gigawatts annually, will be installed.

Once the project is fully operational, provincial revenue sharing to the Splatsin is forecast to be $3,618 per year over the life of the project.

The signing of this agreement means that the provincial government has now reached 46 non-treaty agreements with First Nations since the BC Jobs Plan was launched in 2011, supporting economic opportunities for both First Nations and neighbouring communities.

Quotes:

John Rustad, Minister of Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation –

“First Nations’ participation in the growing clean energy sector is vital. These agreements support that goal and ensure First Nations gain social and economic benefit for their communities through revenue-sharing and clean energy development.”

Chief Wayne Christian, Splatsin First Nation –

“The Cranberry Creek area is of high cultural value to Splatsin and the Secwepemc nation. This agreement confirms our interests in the resources of the area. We expect all clean energy development to be developed responsibly and sustainably in partnership with First Nations.”

Greg Kylo, MLA for Shuswap –

“Today, I applaud and congratulate the Splatsin First Nation on their agreement. It is exciting to learn more about First Nations’ engagement with the clean energy industry, one we know is expanding at a rapid pace—and will be important for all British Columbians in the future.”

Bill Bennett, Minister of Energy and Mines –

“First Nations and their partners continue to support the clean energy sector in their traditional territories. These agreements provide jobs, and show what can be accomplished through collaboration. By demonstrating leadership in the growing clean energy sector, First Nations are bringing economic benefits to their communities.”

Quick Facts:

• British Columbia is the first province to share revenue from mining, forestry and other resources with First Nations.
• The First Nations Clean Energy Business Fund provides money to build capacity in First Nations communities and invest in clean energy infrastructure.
• Through the revenue-sharing agreements, participating First Nations will receive a share of water rentals and land rents charged by the Province for licences issued to the power developer for the life of a project.
• Since 2011, the provincial government has invested approximately $5.1 million in capacity and equity funding to support clean energy opportunities in 80 Aboriginal communities throughout B.C., including wind energy, biomass, run-of-river hydroelectric power and clean energy planning.
• The clean energy technology industry is one of the fastest-growing industries in B.C., with more than 200 organizations, 68% of which were formed in the past decade.

Learn More:

For more information about the First Nations Clean Energy Business Fund visit:www.gov.bc.ca/arr/economic/fncebf.html

Media Contact:
Lisa Leslie
Ministry of Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation
250 213-7724

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