The Gitga’at First Nation has secured $2 million in funding to develop a small hydroelectric facility in Hartley Bay, a remote community on the central coast of British Columbia. The 948-kilowatt, run-of-lake project will meet 95 per cent of the community’s electricity needs once completed in 2026, significantly reducing reliance on diesel generators currently used to power the area. The hydro facility is expected to displace over 500,000 litres of diesel each year, providing a more sustainable and reliable source of energy.
The hydro plant will be 100 per cent Gitga’at-owned and will incorporate a storage reservoir to help mitigate risks during dry periods, ensuring water security even in low-flow years. The project also addresses the community’s environmental concerns related to diesel use, including pollution, noise, and the risk of oil spills.
In addition to the $2 million provided by the province’s Community Energy Diesel Reduction program, Infrastructure Canada invested $16 million to support drought prevention measures, including access roads and geotechnical investigations for the hydro plant. The Gitga’at Nation has been working on this project for over 20 years, and is optimistic it will be completed on time, creating a sustainable energy future for the community.
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