VICTORIA - To study the possibility of heating a new residential community using ocean thermal energy, the Sci'anew (Cheanuh) Beecher Bay Band will receive $40,000 in capacity funding from the First Nations Clean Energy Business Fund.

The money will be used to examine how clean energy technology that uses the heat available, even in cold ocean water, could be used to help heat the new Spirit Bay development. The heat would be extracted from the ocean using heat exchangers and pumps.

Spirit Bay is a partnership between the Beecher Bay First Nation and the Trust for Sustainable Development. When fully built over the next 10 years, the new town development is expected to have up to 800 mixed residential units as well as a town centre with offices, shops, and recreational facilities on 40 hectares. The town is designed to support economic activities of the band and incorporate sustainability into its design and infrastructure.

If the ocean thermal technology is found to be viable, the residential project will include a district heating system that enables homeowners to have their homes and hot water heated by the ocean thermal process.

The BC First Nations Clean Energy Business Fund is designed to increase First Nations participation in the clean energy sector and helps to create jobs and new economic opportunities for First Nations throughout the province.

Since 2011, more than 90 Aboriginal communities have benefited from $5.7 million in capacity and equity funding. The fund supports wind energy, biomass, run-of-river hydroelectric power, clean energy planning and related projects.

Quotes:

John Rustad, Minister of Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation -

“First Nations are emerging as leaders in the development of clean energy projects. By exploring the potential of using the ocean to help heat coastal homes, the Beecher Bay Band and the Trust for Sustainable Development are among the forerunners in B.C. who are working to find new and renewable sources of clean energy.”

Chief Russell Chipps, Beecher Bay First Nation -

“The people of Beecher Bay were born and raised down in Cheanuh and we lived one hundred percent off the ocean. From the time we were children, we would be out there fishing and gathering seafood. It only makes sense to us now that we are looking to be a net generator of energy using thermal energy from the ocean to heat Spirit Bay, our new town. We want to use the funds to create a sustainable utility that creates healthy living and jobs for our community.”

David Butterfield, Co-founder, Trust for Sustainable Development -

“The basis of our relationship is trust and collaboration. Beecher Bay First Nation made it clear that sustainability was their first priority. We are excited to start construction and demonstrate what that means in practice for the community, the economy and the environment.”

Quick Facts:

• 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:

Beecher Bay First Nation: www.beecherbaybc.com/

Trust for Sustainable Development: www.tsd.ca/

For more information on the First Nations Clean Energy Business Fund, visit:
www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/topic.page?id=1178ADF080E24FDD931DA6FB88D67607

Media Contacts:

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