Province, First Nation harvest ocean energy near Metchosin – Times Colonist
June 10, 2015
First Nations and provincial politicians gathered at Beecher Bay near Metchosin on Tuesday to launch a pioneering project in sustainable energy.
John Rustad, B.C. minister of aboriginal affairs and reconciliation, announced a $400,000 grant to build an ocean thermal energy transfer system to heat Spirit Bay, a housing development already underway by the Sci’anew (Cheanuh) Beecher Bay band and its minority business partner, the non-profit Trust for Sustainable Development.
“When you think of the potential for the community it really is quite remarkable,” said Rustad. “And one of the most unique features is, of course, clean energy.”
Rustad said the money is from the First Nations Clean Energy Business Fund, created in 2010. So far, the fund has doled out $6.5 million in funding to more than 100 First Nations in B.C.
