Vancouver Island First Nations will be getting a combined total of $130,000 for clean-energy projects.
The B.C. government announced funding for 13 First Nations across the province.
On Vancouver Island, Ka:’yu:’k’t’h’/Che:k:tles7et’h’ First Nations are receiving $40,000 to conduct a feasibility study of renewable-energy generation technologies, and the Hesquiaht First Nation is receiving $90,000 for a new community energy plan for Refuge Cove.
“In these uncertain times, it’s more important than ever to diversify our energy sources and transition toward a low-carbon economy,” said Adrian Dix, minister of energy and climate solutions.
“First Nations are leading this change by advancing clean-energy projects in remote communities that will reduce their dependence on diesel fuel and help them attain energy sovereignty.”
This funding is coming from the province’s Community Energy Diesel Reduction (CEDR) Program to reduce the community’s reliance on diesel fuel.
The province says there are 44 communities that are not connected to the provincial electricity grid, most of those communities are governed by First Nations.
Of the 13 communities receiving funding in this most recent round, Tsay Keh Dene Nation is receiving the most, with $1.5 million to design a 3.5-megawatt solar photovoltaic project.
Laura has been working with CHEK since 2021 and is a graduate from Langara College’s journalism program. Previously she has worked at Page One Publishing and CFAX 1070.
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