The IBA establishes a formal partnership between the energy company and the Tahltan Nation that will see them collaborate on the projects.
“This is an exciting day for our people and our Nation that will shape the future of development in our territory. We look forward to strengthening our relationship with AltaGas as we work together in the development of these projects, ensuring our Nation, people and businesses receive financial benefits, including revenue sharing, jobs and contract opportunities, while also minimizing the environmental impacts and protecting our culture and way of life,” said Annita McPhee, President of the Tahltan Central Council.
The projects are located near AltaGas’ 195MW Forrest Kerr project, currently under construction in British Columbia. AltaGas expects the Forrest Kerr project to come into service in 2014, followed by McLymont Creek in 2015 and Volcano Creek in 2016. Collectively the projects are known as the Northwest Projects.
The Northwest Projects are to be constructed solely within Tahltan Nation traditional territory and are expected to cost approximately $1B. Once completed, the projects will provide enough electricity for approximately 95,000 homes in British Columbia and will offset more than 780,000 tonnes of greenhouse gas equivalents annually. The projects will deliver electricity to the terminus point of the previously announced 287kV Northwest Transmission Line (NTL), near Bob Quinn, BC, being constructed by BC Hydro.
