News Release

Merritt, B.C. – Through a process of relationship building, the Upper Nicola Band (UNB), the Okanagan Nation Alliance (ONA), the Nlaka’pamux Nation Tribal Council (NNTC) and BC Hydro have entered into a landmark agreement related to the construction of BC Hydro’s Interior to Lower Mainland Transmission Project. This relationship-based agreement provides access to land and resources in the Nations’ territories, funds, direct award contracts and cooperation on future energy development opportunities for the project.

As part of the agreement, the parties have created a new approach to working together in the traditional territories of the NNTC and ONA member communities. BC Hydro and each Nation will work together to develop an integrated, multi-year plan regarding future energy projects and will work collaboratively to identify opportunities for positive outcomes for both BC Hydro operations and Indigenous communities. The NNTC, ONA and UNB have also agreed to halt litigation in relation to the project.

Quotes

Chief Daniel Manuel, Upper Nicola Band, Okanagan Nation member and Chief’s designate:
“This is truly a historic day for our communities; one that will set the stage for recognition of our unique and enduring connection to our lands. For my community and Nation the excitement is very real."

Grand Chief Stewart Phillip, Chair of the Okanagan Nation Alliance and President of the Union of B.C. Indian Chiefs:
“This agreement serves as a strong reminder of the power of the unity our Nations possess. As a result, BC Hydro has committed to a new era of reconciliation, trust and meaningful strategic engagement for all their activities on our territories.”

Chief Robert Pasco, Chair of the Nlaka’pamux Nation Tribal Council:
“It takes a disciplined and principled approach to reach the necessary level of understanding of the other party to make an agreement such as this one possible. Our Nations working together in negotiations with BC Hydro have developed a new framework that will develop an enduring relationship and the fostering of our sustainability as respective Nations – a positive step forward in the right direction.”

Hon. Rich Coleman, Minister of Energy and Mines:
“Demand for electricity is increasing across British Columbia. Today’s signing will enable us to upgrade our delivery system in the Interior so we can provide clean, renewable electricity to the Lower Mainland in the years to come.”

Dave Cobb, President and CEO, BC Hydro:
“This landmark agreement results from months of intensive discussions where both parties participated in developing creative solutions to make our future relationship successful. We are pleased to have reached this agreement and we hope members of these three First Nations communities will benefit from the many opportunities the Interior to Lower Mainland Transmission project will provide.”

Interior to Lower Mainland Transmission project:

• Over the next 20 years, the population of the Lower Mainland is expected to grow from 2.5 million to about 3.4 million. Over that same time period, the demand for electricity in B.C. is expected to grow by as much as 40% - the majority of it in the Lower Mainland.
• The transmission circuits that bring power from where it is generated in the B.C. Interior to the Lower Mainland create some of the most critical paths in BC Hydro’s transmission grid. While the system continues to operate reliably today, the ILM transmission path is reaching its thermal limits and needs to be reinforced.
• The new transmission line will expand the capacity of the transmission system between the Interior and the Lower Mainland to ensure a continued safe and reliable source of electricity for British Columbia’s growing communities, reduced risk of disruptions and outages to the system province-wide and improved energy efficiency by reducing transmission system energy losses.
• The project is likely to provide opportunities for local vendors and suppliers for goods and services during construction such as right-of-way clearing and access road development, truck drivers and equipment operators, flag people, right-of-way restoration, accommodation and meals.
• Up to 543 person-years of employment could be created through the construction of the Interior to Lower Mainland Transmission project.
• The Interior to Lower Mainland Transmission project includes construction of a new 500 kilovolt transmission line from the Nicola substation near Merritt to the Meridian substation in Coquitlam and a new capacitor station near Ruby Creek.
• The new line will be approximately 255 kilometres in length and will parallel an existing 500 kilovolt transmission line for the majority of the distance.
• Approximately 74 km of the line will require new right-of-way, while approximately 60 km will require widening of the existing right-of-way.
• The estimated project cost of the Interior to Lower Mainland Transmission project is $725 million. BC Hydro is continuing to pursue an in-service date of fall 2014.
• The Interior to Lower Mainland Transmission project is part of BC Hydro’s regeneration strategy, investing to renew and expand the province’s electricity system.

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BC Hydro Media Relations
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