Representatives of the Sechelt Indian Band (SIB) and Plutonic Power Corporation signed a second long-term Impact Benefit Agreement (IBA) Thursday, Feb. 11, regarding a 500-kV transmission line on Band territory, which could be used for the proposed 1,030-MW Bute Inlet hydroelectric project as well as future projects.
"This agreement, if it comes to fruition, could provide a lot of benefits to our community, whether it's through revenue, whether it's through employment, whether it's through training," SIB Chief Garry Feschuk said at the ceremony.
Feschuk noted that the Band has more than 60 independent power project applications in its territory, adding that in considering projects, the Band is adhering strictly to a land use plan developed by elders, council, staff and the community.
"We're looking for quality projects, not quantity, because we don't want our territory to have a spider web of transmission lines," he said.
This agreement follows an earlier IBA between the SIB and Plutonic for a 230-kV transmission line and substation on SIB territory, as part of the development of the 196-MW East Toba River and Montrose Creek hydroelectric project, which is slated to begin operating this year.
The terms of this second IBA are confidential; however, Plutonic has confirmed that the agreement includes: revenue sharing provisions; job training and contracting opportunities; environmental considerations; protection of cultural and heritage resources; access understandings; a signing bonus; and provisions to ensure future transmission access is effectively and fairly managed in SIB traditional territories.
At the ceremony, Rupert Legge, Plutonic's executive vice president of corporate and legal affairs, spoke on behalf of the renewable energy company.
"We are extremely proud to be signing this agreement today," he said. "The renewable energy sector is still a very young sector; it's a maturing industry in British Columbia. At Plutonic, we strongly believe that the only way this industry can mature and develop and move forward is by continuing to create partnerships with First Nations throughout the province."
After the speeches, representatives from the Band and Plutonic sat down to sign the agreement. As part of the ceremony, SIB's Xwamstut - meaning messengers or ambassadors -culture group performed a welcoming song, an honour song and a feast song.
