September 9, 2014 - Tofino, British Columbia - Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada
Mark Strahl, Member of Parliament for Chilliwack-Fraser Canyon and Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development, today announced that the Government of Canada is investing in the Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation’s latest run-of-river hydro development project.
The Winchie Creek Hydro project involves building a small weir across the waterway which directs water towards an intake point. This water is allowed to fall through a pipe or penstock down to a powerhouse where it spins turbines to create electricity. The water is then channelled out of the powerhouse so that it can rejoin the river.
Our Government’s funding will help fund the professional and technical costs associated with the development of the Winchie Creek Hydro project near Tofino, on the west coast of Vancouver Island. These works include project planning, hydrology/environmental studies, and engineering designs. Once constructed, Winchie Creek Hydro has the potential to generate 10.5 gigawatt hour (GWh) of renewable energy annually and create over 187 direct and indirect jobs.
As part of Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation’s economic development focus on renewable energy, the Winchie Creek Hydro project is the third run-of-river facility undertaken by the community. The first, Canoe Creek Hydro, has been in operation since 2010. The second facility, Haa-ak-suuk Creek Hydro, is nearing completion.
The Government’s contribution of $554,487 was made under AANDC’s Community Opportunity Readiness Program (CORP) which provides project-based funding to First Nation and Inuit Communities in support of their pursuit of economic opportunities.
Erica Meekes
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development
819-997-0002
Media Relations
Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada
819-953-1160
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