The Adams Lake Indian Band (ALIB) will study the development of a new industrial park and clean energy resource, thanks to an investment by the Government of Canada, through Western Economic Diversification Canada.
Federal funding of more than $237,000 was announced by Colin Mayes, Member of Parliament for Okanagan - Shuswap on behalf of the Honourable Rona Ambrose, President of the Queen's Privy Council for Canada, Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs and Minister of Western Economic Diversification and the Honourable Gary Lunn, Minister of Natural Resources. The funding is provided through the Community Economic Diversification Initiative (CEDI), a component of the federal Mountain Pine Beetle Program.
"Through its support for these projects, the Government of Canada is helping B.C. communities to identify new economic opportunities in forestry-dependent communities", said MP Mayes "Our Government's investments in these two projects will bring the Adams Lake Indian Band one step closer to a more diversified local economy that meets its energy needs in a sustainable and affordable manner."
"The projects announced today are an example of how the Government of Canada is addressing the needs of communities affected by the Mountain Pine Beetle infestation," said Minister Lunn. "Through this support, our Government is helping impacted communities turn challenges into economic opportunities."
A federal investment of $70,800 will help the ALIB develop an industrial park for on-reserve land. Work will include assessing the best commercial use of reserve land, develop a regional industrial park competitive comparison analysis and acquire the necessary permits and service agreements.
An additional $167,000 will help the ALIB identify and pursue a clean energy initiative. A consultant will be hired to research the areas of wind, run-of-the-river, biomass and self-sufficient home design. Research will also include preliminary design, engineering work and equipment acquisition.
"This funding opportunity will allow our community to explore, develop and build an economic base that allows us to benefit from regional growth," said Chief Nelson Leon of the Adam's Lake Indian Band. " Adams Lake Band is taking the initiative to explore the development of Alternative energy options within our territory that would maintain our cultural and environmental values."
Managed by Western Economic Diversification Canada, CEDI will invest more than $33 million over two years in communities most at risk from the Pine Beetle infestation. The program supports a wide range of projects that further economic growth, job creation and future community sustainability.
The CEDI program is part of the Government of Canada's $200 million comprehensive response to mitigate the short-term and long-term effects of the Mountain Pine Beetle infestation on B.C.'s forestry sector. This federal Mountain Pine Beetle Program is led by Natural Resources Canada, in collaboration with Western Economic Diversification Canada (WD) and Transport Canada.
Western Economic Diversification Canada is a department of the Government of Canada that works in partnership with the provinces, industry associations and communities to promote the development and diversification of the western economy as well as to represent the interests of the West in national decision-making.
For more information on the federal Mountain Pine Beetle Program, please visit: http://mpb.cfs.nrcan.gc.ca/publications_e.html
For additional information, contact:
Catherine Brown
Communications Officer
Western Economic Diversification Canada
Tel: (604) 666-1306
Cell: (604) 764-9381
Albert Quinn
Economic Development Officer
Adams Lake Indian Band
Tel: (250) 679-8841
