‘Namgis territory is rich in as yet undeveloped hydro, tidal, wind and biomass energy sources. Although the potential of these energy resources has been understood for decades, it is only recently that shifts in BC government policy have made their development economically feasible. In the late 1990s, BC Hydro began to solicit proposals for the private sector development of relatively small sources of power. The goal of this program was to allow independent companies to build ‘green’ energy projects that have minimal environmental impacts. This change in government policy has had a dramatic impact within ‘Namgis territory. Over the past several years wind power sites have been investigated on and around Malcolm Island, and on the ridgelines on either side of Nimpkish Lake. As well, potential small-scale hydroelectricity generation sites have been located in the Kokish and Nimpkish River watersheds.
Any energy development project located in ‘Namgis territory will only be developed with the full approval and participation of the ‘Namgis First Nation.
Kokish River Canyon
Current Projects:
Small-scale Hydro Development
‘Namgis First Nation has formed the Kwagis Power Limited Partnership with Brookfield Renewable Power Inc. to design and construct a 50 megawatt run-of-river hydro plant on the Kokish River. The project has just entered the Environmental Assessment (EA) phase. A harmonized EA process that combines the Canadian (Federal) and BC (provincial) EA processes is being followed. ‘Namgis staff and consultants are involved in all stages and aspects of the project’s development.
‘Namgis has also formed the Wa’as Power Limited Partnership with Brookfield Renewable Power Inc. to design and construct a 6.6 megawatt hydro project utilizing water from Clint Lake and Clint Creek. More detailed project information is available at http://clintcreekhydroproject.com
‘Namgis has reached an agreement in principle with Innergex Renewable Energy Inc. to create a Limited Partnership to develop a 9.9 megawatt run-of-river hydro project on the East Fork of the Kokish River. Details of the partnership are being finalized and some preliminary field studies are being conducted.