A new revenue-sharing agreement will enable the Squamish Nation to share provincial revenue from the Skookum Creek Power Project.

The revenue-sharing agreement is enabled by B.C.'s First Nations Clean Energy Business Fund, which aims to promote increased First Nations participation in the clean-energy sector. The Skookum Creek agreement is the fourth revenue-sharing agreement to be signed under the fund.

The Skookum Creek Hydroelectric Project is a 25 megawatt run-of-the-river power project being developed by Concord Green Energy and Run of River Power Inc. through the Skookum Creek Power Partnership. The project will generate enough energy to power approximately 8,400 homes and offset up to 71,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide when compared with coal-fired turbine generation.

Once the project is fully operational, the revenue to the Squamish Nation is forecast to be approximately $78,000 per year over the life of the project.

The signing of this agreement means that B.C. has reached a total of 21 non-treaty agreements since the BC Jobs Plan was launched in 2011.This agreement is also the third of the 10 new non-treaty agreements B.C. has committed to reaching over the next two years.

Quotes:

Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation Minister John Rustad -

"The BC Jobs Plan commits us to reaching agreements that bring benefits to First Nations communities and enable them to benefit from resource projects. This agreement will create revenue for the Squamish Nation, while also reducing emissions."

Chief Ian Campbell, Cultural Liaison and Negotiator Intergovernmental Relations, Squamish Nation -

"These are progressive times when the Crown and Nations come together to share revenue derived from resources throughout the province. The spirit of these agreements reflects the willingness to work together and build relationships."

West Vancouver-Sea to Sky MLA Jordan Sturdy -

"The Skookum Creek Power Project will provide clean carbon-free energy for B.C. and create economic opportunities for the Squamish Nation and the entire community."

Quick Facts:

• The First Nations Clean Energy Business Fund provides money to build capacity in First Nations communities and invest in clean-energy infrastructure.
• Since 2011, the provincial government has invested approximately $3.8 million to support clean-energy opportunities in 70 Aboriginal communities throughout B.C., including wind energy, biomass, run-of-river hydroelectric power and clean-energy planning.
• Earlier this year, B.C. and the Tahltan Nation signed the first revenue-sharing agreement reached under the First Nations Clean Energy Business Fund. This was followed by a revenue-sharing agreement with Tla-o-qui-aht First Nations.
• The clean-energy technology industry is one of the fastest-growing industries in B.C., with more than 200 organizations, 68 per cent of which were formed in the past decade.

Learn More:

For more information about the First Nations Clean Energy Business Fund and how to apply, call 1 800 880-1022 toll-free or visit: http://www.gov.bc.ca/arr/economic/fncebf.html

Contact:

Robin Platts
Communications Manager
Ministry of Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation
250 387-1204