Lax Kw’alaam sign impact benefit agreement in support of Northwest Transmission Line
Vancouver – BC Hydro is pleased to announce that an impact benefit agreement has been signed with the Lax Kw’alaam Indian Band which will provide training programs, contracting and jobs, and other economic development opportunities related to the construction of the Northwest Transmission Line (NTL) project.
The Lax Kw’alaam agreement represents a further Northwest Transmission Line milestone, as impact benefit agreements have already been signed with the Gitxsan Houses, Gitanyow Nation, Skii km Lax Ha, Kitselas First Nation, Metlakatla First Nation, the Tahltan Nation and the Nisga’a Nation during the past several months.
The NTL is estimated to create up to 840 direct jobs during the three years of construction. According to a 2008 report from the Mining Association of B.C., NTL also has the potential to attract $15 billion in new investment and create more than 10,000 jobs over the next few decades. This project has a direct link with the province’s emphasis on jobs and the economy.
Once complete, NTL will provide clean, reliable power to the Northwest region of B.C., which is currently not part of the BC Hydro electricity grid. Lax Kw’alaams is currently connected via a radial power line from Prince Rupert and BC Hydro will continue to work with the Band to ensure safe, reliable power, including back up options, to the community.
NTL is part of BC Hydro’s regeneration strategy, which is renewing and expanding the province’s electricity system. As well, NTL will be vital in powering many of the industrial projects that are on the horizon in the Northwest.
Quotes
Lax Kw’alaam Chief Garry Reece:
"A lot has changed since companies used to just come onto our traditional lands and expect to do business. Now we sit and negotiate agreements that are best for our community members who live both on and off Reserve. This agreement provides economic and employment opportunities for all of our people. As a result, we are quite pleased with this agreement."
Hon. Rich Coleman, Minister of Energy and Mines:
“A lot of effort has gone in to negotiating a fair benefits agreement with the Lax Kw’alaam whose traditional territory is impacted by the Northwest Transmission Line project. With this agreement, the Lax Kw’alaam will benefit through a number of economic opportunities such as increased job opportunities, now and into the future.”
Greg Reimer, Executive Vice-President, Transmission and Distribution, BC Hydro:
“The signing of this agreement is an important first step in building a strong, trusting relationship with the Lax Kw’alaam that sets the stage for economic opportunities during construction of the Northwest Transmission Line and well beyond.”
Facts:
- To build local skills in advance of the NTL project, BC Hydro recently funded and coordinated skills training opportunities to First Nations and the Nisga’a Nation in the area. BC Hydro will also provide direct employment to First Nations and Nisga'a Nation members in the region with a number of direct awards for NTL project work, such as access road construction and right-of-way clearing work.
- The NTL will be a 344-kilometre, 287-kilovolt transmission line from Skeena Substation, near Terrace, to Bob Quinn Lake. The project will provide a secure interconnection point for clean energy generation projects and supply clean electricity to support future industrial developments in the area.
- Construction of the NTL will begin shortly. The NTL project is scheduled to be in service in spring 2014.
- As part of its regenerations strategy, BC Hydro is improving and replacing aging infrastructure originally built primarily between 1950 and 1980. Improvements will range from upgrading dams and generating stations, to building entirely new transmission lines linking existing and new substations.
- For more information on the NTL project, please visit: http://www.bchydro.com.
About Lax Kw’alaams
The community of Lax Kw'alaams is located on the North Coast approximately 50 kilometers from Prince Rupert and is accessible by ferry or by float plane. It is the permanent home of the nine allied tribes whose traditional lands are located in the lower Skeena River basin. It is a progressive community that houses a $10.5 million dollar recreation centre and swimming pool and Elder's lodge. The community also has an operating fish processing plant that provides economic opportunities for Band members. Just recently, the community has been approved for a new school that will offer grades from 1-12.
About BC Hydro
Fifty years ago, British Columbians turned to BC Hydro to build the clean electricity system they count on to power B.C.'s economy, create jobs in every region, and keep the lights on. Now, BC Hydro is building again for the next 50 years. B.C. continues to grow and so has the need for more electricity. That’s why BC Hydro is building and renewing electricity infrastructure, and encouraging conservation to meet today’s needs and those of future generations. In 2011, BC Hydro is celebrating 50 years of providing power for British Columbians, and inviting them to help prepare for the next 50 years.
Visit BC Hydro’s web site at www.bchydro.com or follow us on twitter: @bchydro
For more information, please contact:
BC Hydro Media Relations
Direct: 604 928 6468
Web: www.bchydro.com/media
Chief Garry Reece
Lax Kw’alaam Indian Band
(250) 625-3293
(604) 317-6324