Northeast B.C.’s Halfway River First Nation has agreed to support the construction of four large wind farm projects in their traditional territory.
The agreement came in the form of a memorandum of understanding the Halfway signed with Vancouver-based Finavera Renewables Inc. (TSX-V:FVR), the company planning to build the projects.
“This is a good day for us,” said Halfway River Chief Ed Whitford. “Our community is looking forward to the opportunities in working with Finavera and we sincerely support green energy. I believe this is a win-win situation for our community, Finavera and the Peace River country.”
The agreement revolves around the Tumbler Ridge, Wildmare, Meikle and Bullmoose wind projects, which in 2008 were awarded electricity purchase agreements with BC Hydro totalling 301 megawatts.
Finavera believes the projects will collectively generate more than $100 million in annual revenue when built.
Finavera CEO Jason Bak said, “We are extremely pleased to have in place with the Halfway River First Nation an agreement that confirms support for the project while recognizing the nation’s interests.”
The Halfway River has agreed to support the project in exchange for training, employment, business opportunities and financial participation in the projects.
Northeast B.C. is a hot spot for resource development these days as dozens of companies look to develop wind farms, unconventional gas projects and coal mines in the area.
In August, West Moberly First Nation Chief Roland Willson told Business in Vancouver his people were being “overrun” with development (see “Development deluge” – issue 1088; August 31 – September 6).
Both the West Moberly and the Halfway River are members of the Treaty 8 Tribal Association, which also includes the Doig River, Prophet River, Saulteau, Blueberry River, McLeod Lake and Fort Nelson First Nations.
Finavera has signed a partnership agreement with the McLeod Lake that outlines a staged process to reach a final memorandum of understanding. The company said discussions with the West Moberly and Saulteau are also underway.
B.C.’s environmental assessment office has instructed the company to consult with the Doig River as well. In a release, Finavera said it looked forward to “building a strong relationship” with the Doig River.
The company could not be reached for comment by press time.