New Relationship Trust

September 13, 2018                                                                              FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
NRT invests over $1.3 million to Support Clean Energy in BC First Nations Communities
 
Vancouver, B.C. - The New Relationship Trust (NRT) is proud to announce the approved projects funded under the third intake of the BC Indigenous Clean Energy Initiative (BCICEI). The following First Nation communities will receive a total of $1,351,583 in funding to assist the advancement of thirteen clean energy projects in BC:
  • WMFN Geothermal EcoPark on behalf of the West Moberly First Nation for $150,000
  • Ahtaapq Creek Hydropower Project on behalf of Hesquiaht First Nation for $150,000
  • Tsihlqot'in Solar Farm on behalf of Tsihlqot'in National Government for $100,000
  • USRC Bioheat Facility on behalf of Gitxsan Energy Inc. for $150,000
  • Ditidaht Clean Energy Initiative on behalf of Ditidaht First Nation for $13,070
  • Baron Lake Hydropower Project Update on behalf of Kitasoo/Xai'xais First Nation for $141,680
  • Clean Energy Project on behalf of the Whispering Pines/Clinton Indian Band for $16,518
  • Columbia Lake Recreation Centre on behalf of ?Akisq'nuk First Nation for $150,000
  • Halalt First Nation Community Energy Intiative on behalf of Halalt First Nation for $149,765
  • Biomass Feasibility Study on behalf of Stswecem'c Xgat'tem First Nation for $76,500
  • Biomass Energy Solutions for Takla Landing on behalf of Sasuchan Development Corporation for $119,550
  • kanPOWER: Kanaka Bar Energy Self-Sufficiency - Demand Side Management Strategy on behalf of Kanaka Bar Indian Band for $59,500
  • Clean & Affordable Heating at Quaaout Lodge on behalf of Little Shuswap Lake Indian Band for $75,000
The BCICEI is a three-year initiative funded by Western Economic Diversification Canada - through the Government of Canada's Strategic Partnerships Initiative - and delivered by NRT. The initiative provides Indigenous communities with early-stage funding to unlock economic opportunities through clean energy projects. For 2018/19, NRT received a total of 30 applications requesting $3,486,726 in funding. All applications were evaluated and selected in a competitive process by the BCICEI Advisory Committee, made up of Indigenous, federal, provincial, and private sector clean energy representatives. Considerations included type of energy technology, project development stage, region, and whether the proposal benefits a diesel-dependent, remote and/or off-grid community.
A pproved projects will receive assisted project cost funding in support of building capacity and project development in the areas of: (a) Feasibility and Site Selection; (b) Environmental Review and Permitting; (c) Project Design and Engineering; and (d) Demand Side Management.

Quotes:

"Investing in clean energy projects helps First Nation communities to unlock economic opportunities and build a sustainable future. I commend the 13 BCICEI funding recipients for exploring alternative energy projects and choosing sustainable options to meet their energy needs."
-The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for Western Economic Diversification Canada
 
"The BC Indigenous Clean Energy Initiative (ICEI) is a strong partnership with Western Economic Diversification (WD) which assists NRT in achieving our mission of building capacity in BC First Nations.  Demand for ICEI was overwhelming in 2016/17, with 1 in 4 BC First Nation communities applying; however, with limited available funding - 8 projects were approved. In 2017/18, the ICEI budget allowed for 10 new Clean Energy approved projects. In 2018/19, the ICEI funded 13 new First Nation clean energy projects, funding nearly half of eligible First Nations who applied. BC First Nation interest in clean energy is exceptionally robust and speaks for itself in this economic development sector. NRT congratulates the recipients in this round of funding."
-Cliff Fregin, Chief Executive Officer, New Relationship Trust


Contact for more information:
Cole Sayers
BC Indigenous Clean Energy Initiative (BCICEI) 
Telephone: 604-925-3338 or 1-877-922-3338


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www.nrtf.ca | 604-925-3338


 
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