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The Canada Infrastructure Bank (CIB), Nlaka’pamux Nation Tribal Council (NNTC) and BluEarth Renewables (BluEarth) have achieved financial close on a $35 million loan towards quA-ymn Solar. The project will be located on reclaimed land in the Highland Valley Copper Mine, southwest of Kamloops, British Columbia.
“The CIB’s $35 million investment into the quA-ymn Solar project, through its Indigenous Community Infrastructure Initative (ICII), will create more jobs, and provide long term economic benefits to the NNTC and member communities. This marks another important step forward in advancing economic reconciliation for Indigenous Peoples in B.C. and across Canada,” said Harjit S. Sajjan, Minister of Emergency Preparedness and Minister responsible for the Pacific Economic Development Agency of Canada.
quA-ymn Solar is a partnership between the member communities of the NNTC and BluEarth, a leading independent power producer with extensive experience in renewable energy projects across North America.
Together, they will construct and operate a 15-megawatt solar facility which will connect into BC Hydro’s energy grid. The added capacity from 38,000 fixed-tilt solar photovoltaic panels will supply enough renewable energy to power more than 2,000 homes annually, for both Nlaka’pamux communities and the province’s grid.
“quA-ymn Solar demonstrates the NNTC’s resilience and dedication to addressing the interconnection between Indigenous rights and resources which will have long-term, positive impacts for their communities. The CIB is proud to help advance this project, which will support economic reconciliation, provide stable revenue streams for the communities, opportunities for training and development and support Indigenous leadership in clean energy,” said Ehren Cory, CEO, Canada Infrastructure Bank.
Securing a loan from the CIB was foundational to advancing the project for the NNTC and member communities. Exercising the economic component of title is key to financial independence which in turn is foundational to the exercise of jurisdiction and will have a positive impact for generations.
Currently under construction, quA-ymn Solar will provide approximately 100 jobs at peak construction and full-time employment opportunities to support operations.
“This is an important Project for the NNTC and our member Communities and confirms for us that the disciplined and principled approach the NNTC has taken best protects Nlaka’pamux title and rights. We are sending a clear message together that after years of hard work in developing new, creative, recognition-based approaches to land and resource development, combined with deep and respectful relationships, that these are the foundations for how we make decisions together throughout the Nlaka’pamux homeland,” said Chief Matt Pasco, NNTC.
Through the Indigenous Community Infrastructure Initiative (ICII), the CIB is investing in projects which provide a service or a direct benefit to Indigenous communities. This project represents the CIB’s first ICII clean power loan to reach financial close in British Columbia.
The CIB will continue to collaborate with First Nation, Métis and Inuit communities on infrastructure projects in partnership with, and for the benefit of Indigenous communities across Canada.
“We are proud to reach this important milestone with NNTC and the CIB, as we begin construction on the quA-ymn Solar Project. BluEarth is grateful for the opportunity to partner with the NNTC in the development and operation of the Project, and we look forward to continuing to work with them on this and other opportunities,” said Grant Arnold, president & CEO, BluEarth Renewables |
