June 11, 2015 Tofino, BC Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada
The Honourable Bernard Valcourt, Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development, congratulates the Tla-o-qui-aht First Nations for reaching this important milestone with the grand opening of 6 MW Haa-ak-suuk Creek Hydro facility. The facility is located near Tofino, B.C., on the west coast of Vancouver Island.
Our Government’s funding of $748,052 supported many stages of the project’s development – from the feasibility stage to design and construction, including environmental and permitting work, hydrology studies, and engineering and design.
The project will create several long-term, direct and indirect jobs and increase self-sufficiency for the Tla-o-qui-aht First Nations. This project will provide a steady revenue stream for many decades to come that may be used to generate additional wealth and investment in the development of the community.
As part of Tla-o-qui-aht First Nations’ economic development focus on renewable energy, the Haa-ak-suuk Creek Hydro project is the second run-of-river facility they have developed. The first, Canoe Creek Hydro, has been in operation since 2010 and the third facility, Winchie Creek Hydro, is nearing completion.
Emily Hillstrom
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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