Ensuring more-efficient energy use, developing new sources of alternative energy and finding ways to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. These are some of the goals of a new community energy plan being undertaken by the Musqueam Indian Band.

The Musqueam will receive $28,500 to develop the community energy plan. Funding is being provided from the First Nations Clean Energy Business Fund. The plan will include a baseline report on the band’s current energy needs and future requirements and provide practical and effective strategies on ways to lower energy costs within the community.

The plan will investigate renewable energy opportunities in Musqueam traditional territory that could be developed to sell electricity to BC Hydro. It will also identify how the Musqueam might to be able to reallocate financial savings from lower energy costs to other economic development projects.

Funding for this project and other agreements is part of the Province's commitment to reconciliation with First Nations. This includes ensuring more nations are involved in economic opportunities that make their communities and the rest of the Province stronger.

Quotes:

Andrew Wilkinson, MLA, Vancouver-Quilchena –

“The energy planning being done by the Musqueam Indian Band has the potential to greatly benefit their community. The plan will increase energy awareness and help to develop workable strategies to meet the Musqueam community’s future energy needs.”

Wayne H.W. Sparrow, Chief, Musqueam Indian Band –

“We’re undertaking this community energy plan to assist our Nation in developing renewable power within our traditional territories and to enhance our social, economic and environmental sustainability. The plan will provide practical and effective strategies to help guide us in pursuing and developing alternative energy resources and lowering our energy costs and usage.”

Quick Facts:

• Since 2011, more than 100 Aboriginal communities have benefited from $6.9 million in funding through the First Nations Clean Energy Business Fund.
• The fund supports First Nations participation in ocean and wind energy, biomass, solar, run-of river hydroelectric power, clean energy planning and related 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.
• B.C. has 35 clean energy revenue-sharing agreements with 27 First Nations.
• 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:

Musqueam Indian Band: http://www.musqueam.bc.ca/

The Musqueam people have been present in what is now Greater Vancouver for several thousand years.

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

The First Nations Clean Energy Business Fund (FNCEBF) promotes increased Aboriginal community participation in the clean energy sector within their asserted traditional territories and treaty areas.