A proposed 500-kilovolt transmission line that would run from near Merritt to Coquitlam that has been approved by the B.C. government is sparking anger among Interior First Nations groups.
B.C. Transmission Corp., the Crown corporation that builds, operates and maintains the province's publicly owned electrical transmission system, received an environmental assessment certificate June 9 for the proposed $602 million 255-kilometre power line.
The government said 60 First Nations and seven tribal councils were consulted on the assessment, and it is satisfied the Crown's duties to consult and accommodate First Nations interests have been discharged in relation to the environmental assessment certificate.
Not so, claims Chief Bob Pasco of the Nlaka'pamux Nation Tribal Council.
"We were in the middle of a discussion about how the process could work to appropriately address our legitimate concerns, and then as soon as they return from their election campaign, they simply issued the project approval," Pasco said in a statement. "It is clear that the Campbell government is not serious about working with us."
The group said it was "astonished" by the government's "blatant bad faith" and accused it of racism, saying non-aboriginal residents in Delta were treated differently when they raised objections to high-voltage transmission lines built near their homes.
"When we raise legitimate issues about use of our lands and the placement of high-voltage transmission lines throughout our communities, we are ignored, said Chief Tim Manuel, of the Upper Nicola band.
"The government is thumbing its nose at the highest court in the province," claimed Grand Chief Stewart Phillip, who is chairman of the Okanagan Nation Alliance and president of the Union of B.C. Indian Chiefs.
Phillip said a February B.C. Court of Appeal ruling called for a "serious study and consultation" on alternatives to the proposed transmission line.
However, the government said it remains committed to further discussions regarding reconciliation with aggrieved First Nations.
The project would predominantly use existing rights-of-way, but would require approximately 74 kilometres of new right-of-way and 60 kilometres of right-of-way widening to accommodate the new line.
The project would also include new access roads, a new capacitor station and other equipment.
The government said the line would ensure a continued reliable source of electricity for B.C.'s growing communities in Metro Vancouver and on Vancouver Island by providing increased capacity to transfer energy from BC Hydro's large hydroelectric projects in the Interior.
Once completed, the transmission line would be owned by Hydro and operated by the BC Transmission.