The Penticton Indian Band will receive $40,000 from the First Nations Clean Energy Business Fund for a feasibility study to explore wind and hydro energy projects.

The feasibility study will assess the possibility of establishing a small hydroelectric project at the Okanagan Lake Dam that would include a fish ladder to provide fish with access to the lake, as well as a wind project that is being considered to provide community power.

The financial and technical viability of both projects will be identified and recommendations made on how to best move ahead with further development. Future job opportunities could include construction, operation and maintenance. 

Quotes:

Chief Jonathan Kruger, Penticton Indian Band -

“We’re very honoured to be awarded this grant to look into possible clean energy projects. Sustainability is part of our cultural values and we’re finding ways to do that with modern technology.”

Dan Ashton, MLA, Penticton −

“It’s great to see the Penticton Indian Band and the Province working together to develop these clean energy resources. They have the potential to provide social and economic benefits for band members while providing new and sustainable sources of hydro-electric power.”

Quick Facts:

• The Penticton Indian Band is located in the southern portion of the Okanagan Valley near the City of Penticton.
• With more than 18,600 hectares (46,000 acres) of land, it is the largest reserve in the Province of British Columbia.
• The Penticton Indian Reserve is comprised of three reserve areas (IR #1, IR #2, and IR #3) of which IR #1 is the largest and encompasses 99% of the total area.
• The First Nations Clean Energy Business Fund is designed to increase First Nations participation in the clean energy sector. It helps to create jobs and new economic opportunities for First Nations throughout B.C.
• Since 2011, more than 90 Aboriginal communities have benefited from more than $5.7 million in capacity and equity funding provided by the First Nations Clean Energy Business Fund.
• The fund supports wind energy, biomass, run-of-river hydroelectric power and clean energy planning.
• The First Nations Clean Energy Business Fund provides equity funding of up to $500,000 and capacity development funding of up to $50,000 to support First Nations with feasibility studies or engagement with private sector proponents of clean-energy 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.
• 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:

Penticton Indian Band: http://pib.ca/

First Nations Clean Energy Business Fund:
http://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/topic.page?id=1178ADF080E24FDD931DA6FB88D67607

Media Contacts:

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