The Shuswap Indian Band at Invermere will be receiving $40,000 from the Ministry of Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation to go toward an assessment of the Beaver River Hydro Complex project to determine if there is an opportunity to create a joint venture that will lead to a partnership with the project proponent.

The money is coming from a $510,000 First Nations Clean Energy Business Fund aiming to bolster job training, joint ventures with industry and exploration of clean energy developments.

According to Minister of Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation Mary Polak, the Shuswap Band is one of nine aboriginal communities receiving $40,000 each for feasibility studies and development work on a range of projects, including run-of-river, biomass and geothermal projects.

A further five communities will receive $30,000 each for community energy planning. This funding will help these communities to study how they currently use energy and look at possible alternative energy options for the future, including the Lower Kootenay Indian Band (near Creston).

The funds will be for the first stage of the community’s involvement within the clean energy sector. This funding will be used to help them identify clean energy projects within the band’s reserve and stewardship lands and to perform a preliminary feasibility assessment on the most promising project opportunities.

“I’m very happy to see so many new applicants coming forward with projects. Regardless of their size, this funding provides real opportunities for First Nations to pursue their alternative energy plans bringing real economic and social benefits to their communities,” Polak stated.

The First Nations Clean Energy Business Fund was created to support First Nations and new power projects, with an initial contribution of $5 million from B.C. Over time, the fund is expected to receive additional revenue from new power projects based on a percentage of land and water rentals.

For more information about the First Nations Clean Energy Business Fund and how to apply, please call toll-free 1 800 880-1022 or visit: http://www.gov.bc.ca/arr/economic/fncebf.html.

For more on the Beaver River project go to:

http://www.sentinelhotspots.ca/hotspots/energy/small-hydro/beaver-river-valley-hydro-project.

e-KNOW

Article Share