Below is an article on a proposed hydroelectric project near Tofino. This is a great example for how an environmentally sensitive project can be developed and can create economic opportunity for First Nations groups. First Nations have shown outstanding leadership in sustainable use and development of natural resources over thousands of years. Unlike many large scale developments (such as the Klinaklini and Bute Inlet projects) sustainable development is possible when put into the right hands.

Another great example for a sensible RoR project can be found on China Creek near Port Alberni which is developed and largely owned by the Hupacasath First Nations.

Jan Dettmer, Director BC Creek Protection Society

Tla-o-qui-aht plan green power project
Gillian Riddell, Westerly News
Published: Thursday, May 29, 2008

The Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation expects to begin construction next year on a green power project on Canoe Creek, just south of Cats Ears Creek along Highway 4.

“The project is consistent with the Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation’s vision for economic development that does not deplete or degrade natural resources,” said Saya Masso, councillor with the Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation in a news release.

“With careful planning, the Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation intends that the project will serve as a model for sustainable, ecologically sound development in the UNESCO Biosphere and proposed Tribal Park in Clayoquot Sound.”

The 5.5 megawatt project is capable of producing electricity for 1,700 homes.

The Tla-o-qui-aht are working with the Nanaimo based Barkley Project Group to build the run of river power project. “This will be a very green project,” said Iain Cuthbert with the Barkley Project Group. “It will have as small a footprint as possible.”

Run-of-river power projects have received negative attention in other parts of the province, the most recent example being a proposed project by Run of River Power Inc. that was squashed by the provincial government for the Upper Pitt River near the Lower Mainland because the project would have required transmission lines to run through a provincial park.

Run-of-river projects divert part of a river’s flow during the spring runoff season to turn a turbine in a generating unit and produce electricity. The generating unit is connected through transmission lines to the provincial power grid, allowing the electricity to be sold to BC Hydro.

The Canoe Creek project would sell power to BC Hydro under the corporation’s Standing Offer Program that allows proponents with projects less than 10 megawatts to sell power at a set price.

The price for power under the program is between $71 and $84 per megawatt of electricity.

Run-of-river power projects are considered a green source of electricity because they produce electricity from a renewable resource and have a low environmental impact. All run-of-river projects must receive several levels of approval, including environmental permits from the province.

Cuthbert says the Canoe Creek project will not have an impact on local fish populations and will be even better than a typical run-of-river project striving to be a model for other such projects.

–griddell@westerlynews.ca