A more efficient permitting system has allowed construction to begin sooner on the Cape Scott Wind Farm, bringing hundreds of jobs to northern Vancouver Island.

On March 21, the Province issued the first-ever multi-tenure agreement to Cape Scott Wind Farm Inc. This agreement provides the necessary licences and authorizations to begin construction of up to 55 wind turbines near Port Hardy.

Once built, the wind farm will be capable of producing up to 110 megawatts of clean energy, enough to power 30,000 Vancouver Island homes. The construction of the wind farm will infuse an estimated $80 million into the local economy, creating about 200 jobs during construction and commissioning of the project and up to 10 permanent jobs.

Cape Scott's multi-tenure agreement supports the BC Jobs Plan's commitment to work with clean-energy companies to find new ways to develop the sector. The Province will continue to support job creation by co-ordinating and accelerating provincial processes on major projects while maintaining strong environmental standards.

Quotes:

Steve Thomson, Minister of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations -

"Cape Scott is a great example of the success of our 'One Project, One Process' model. By co-ordinating provincial approvals, we've reduced the time it takes to reach a decision - helping this project get started sooner, and bringing needed jobs to the North Island."

Mike Crawley, president, International Power Canada Inc. -

"We're pleased to expand our portfolio of wind projects within a province that shares a commitment to clean energy. The Province's support and co-operative approach within their approval process was critical in getting Cape Scott Wind Farm to the construction stage."

Quick Facts:

• Cape Scott Wind Farm was the first project in B.C. to receive a multi-tenure agreement. The Province was able to bundle five individual authorizations into one provincial review process.
• Cape Scott Wind Farm was the first wind energy project in B.C. to receive an Environmental Assessment Certificate in 2004 (amended in 2011). The certificate sets out the environmental requirements for construction and operation.
• This clean energy project is supported by the Quatsino, Tlatlasikwala and Kwakiutl First Nations.
• Currently, two wind farms are operating in B.C. Together they produce approximately 180 megawatts per year, enough to power 49,000 homes.
• BC Hydro has electricity purchase agreements with six wind farms, including the Cape Scott Wind Farm project, that have yet to become fully operational.

Learn More:

Cape Scott Wind Farm: http://www.iprplc-gdfsuez.com

Major Projects BC: http://www.for.gov.bc.ca/major_projects/

BC Jobs Plan: http://www.bcjobsplan.ca/

Contact:

Brennan Clarke
Media Relations
Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations
250 356-5261