Project on track

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The Hupacasath First Nation will be powering many homes in the Alberni Valley by 2005 through a micro-hydro project on China Creek, and powering the local economy with the Eagle Rock Aggregates Quarry set to open in 2004.

The environmentally friendly micro-hydro project will provide 5.6 megawatts of power to the Vancouver Island power grid, generating revenue for Hupacasath and project partners.

"It falls in line with our economic vision for sustainable development, and green energy is something we've been wanting to do for a long time," said Hupacasath Chief Councillor Judy Sayers.

The Hupacasath project is one of 16 projects throughout the province, one of four on Vancouver Island, and is part of the largest purchases of green energy in B.C.'s history. It will provide about $800 million in private-sector investment and an additional 1,800 gigawatt hours per year to meet the energy needs of British Columbians, said Premier Gordon Campbell and BC Hydro chair and CEO Larry Bell.

"This is a significant step in our plan to work with independent power producers and develop 50 per cent of our new power supplies from clean energy sources," Campbell said. "These projects will be financed with new private-sector investment that will create 800 to 1,000 construction jobs across the province, and enough electricity to meet the needs of 180,000 homes."

The China Creek Hydro Project will provide 25gigawatt hours per year. "It's a small project but it's a start for us," said Sayers. "It's a training ground for us that will provide revenue and around 20 construction jobs and a few permanent positions," she said.

The next step in this process is the environmental and fisheries impact assessments, and the signing of the electricity purchase agreements, which will happen by mid-November. All projects must be operational by Sept. 30, 2006.