Hesquiaht First Nation Celebrate Opening of Ahtaapq Creek Hydro Power Project

August 15, 2024

Earlier this week, Hesquiaht First Nation held their Opening Ceremony of the Ahtaapq Creek Hydro Power Project at Hot Springs Cove.

This momentous event celebrated the community’s achievement in reducing reliance on diesel power through the adoption of clean and renewable energy.

The ceremony commenced at 10 a.m. with a traditional welcome and opening prayer, followed by speeches from distinguished guests, including government representatives and Josie Osborne, Minister of Energy, Mines & Low Carbon Innovation.

“The Ahtaapq Creek Hydro Power Project marks a significant advancement for the Hesquiaht First Nations community’s efforts to achieve energy independence and environmental sustainability by utilizing clean, renewable hydroelectric power. Thank you to everyone who has made the Ahtaapq Creek Hydropower Project a success. Hot Springs Cove’s future is warm and bright.”

Hesquiaht First Nation Chief Councillor Mariah Charleson

The Ahtaapq Creek Hydro Power Project was made possible with support from various funders, including Indigenous Services Canada (ISC), the BC First Nations Clean Energy Business Fund (FNCEBF), the BC Rural Dividend Fund, the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program (ICIP) Rural and Northern Communities (RNC) stream, the Fraser Basin Council’s Remote and Indigenous Communities Clean Energy Program (RERC), and Natural Resources Canada’s Clean Energy for Rural and Remote Communities (CERRC) program.

The Hesquiaht First Nation has a rich history and a deep connection to the land. The Ahtaapq Creek Hydro Power Project marked a significant advancement in the community’s efforts to achieve energy independence and environmental sustainability by utilizing clean, renewable hydroelectric power.

The 350 KW Run-of-River Hydro facility, a significant achievement, reduces the community’s reliance on diesel power by approximately 71% on annual basis. This project marks a crucial step toward environmental stewardship and economic sustainability, expected to save $375,000 in costs its first year alone by decreasing diesel usage.

The Hesquiaht First Nation, the most northerly and remote of the Nuu-chah-nulth Nations, has long sought to transition from diesel power, which poses environmental risks and generates at substantially high costs. The new hydro facility mitigates these issues, providing reliable and renewable energy. The project not only supports cleaner air and reduced noise pollution but also brings peace and quiet to Hot Springs Cove.

Barkley Project Group has been instrumental in empowering Indigenous communities to achieve climate action and community development. During construction, the Project created four full-time and 17 part-time jobs filled by Hesquiaht First Nation members. Four local community members are employed as permanent part-time operators for the Project. Despite challenges, including the passing of former Hesquiaht Chief Richard Lucas and the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, the project faced and overcame numerous obstacles during its development.

Looking ahead, the Hesquiaht First Nation plans to further enhance their energy infrastructure with solar and battery integrations, aiming to eliminate diesel use entirely. This project, supported by various organizations, exemplifies the community’s commitment to sustainability.

Source: Hesquiaht First Nation

Source: Clean Energy BC