May 26, 2016
BluEarth Celebrates Culliton Creek Hydro Facility Commissioning With Squamish First Nation
Calgary, Alberta – May 26, 2016 – BluEarth Renewables Inc. (“BluEarth”) celebrated the Culliton Creek Hydro Facility (“Culliton Creek”) commissioning yesterday near Squamish, British Columbia. The afternoon celebration brought over 60 stakeholders to Culliton Creek to participate in a Traditional Potlatch Ceremony facilitated by the Squamish First Nation (“Squamish Nation”). As part of this ceremony, six witnesses were called to speak about Culliton Creek, including Hon. John Rustad, Minister of Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation; Jordan Sturdy, MLA for West Vancouver-Sea-to-Sky; John Keating, Chairman of the Board for BluEarth; Chief Dale Harry of the Squamish First Nation; Chief Gibby Jacob of the Squamish First Nation; and Grant Arnold, President and CEO of BluEarth. Witnesses were blanketed in traditional manner, and thanked for their contributions to Culliton Creek.
“It’s wonderful to see everyone and to celebrate the hard work and dedication that went into making Culliton Creek a reality,” said Grant Arnold, BluEarth’s President and CEO. “We are honoured that the Squamish Nation has agreed to share their land and resources, and grateful for the support of the local community. We look forward to continuing an open and prosperous relationship with the Squamish Nation for decades to come.”
Located approximately 20 km north of Squamish, Culliton Creek is a run-of-river hydroelectric facility with a nameplate capacity to generate up to 15 megawatts of clean, renewable electricity. This is enough energy to power approximately 5,900 homes.
“It is good to see First Nations, Business and Environment working together,” said hereditary Chief Dale Harry of the Squamish First Nation. “The regular Implementation Committee meetings between the Nation and BluEarth helped keep our joint commitments on track, and also addressed concerns in a timely manner when they arose.”
BluEarth collaborated with the Squamish Nation to ensure that Culliton Creek will provide ongoing, long-term economic benefits to the region, including employment and contracting opportunities. During construction, Culliton Creek provided over 200,000 worker hours of employment, of which approximately 13 per cent were from the Squamish Nation; exceeding First Nation labour targets. During peak construction periods, there were approximately 80 on-site jobs.
“The number of Nation Members who worked on the project surpassed our goal, and we were pleased with the effort that BluEarth made to achieve that,” said Joshua Joseph, Squamish Nation Councillor. “This project is a great example of how companies and proponents should work with First Nations on their traditional territories.”
“Congratulations to BluEarth Renewables, the Squamish Nation and everyone who has been part of building the Culliton Creek Hydro Facility and building the relationships that have grown with its development,” said Jordan Sturdy, MLA for West Vancouver – Sea to Sky. “This project shows what can be achieved when First Nations, the private renewable power industry and government work together to develop clean energy resources in First Nations traditional territories.”
“Our government is ensuring that BC First Nations are able to participate and benefit from the clean energy sector. The Culliton Creek Hydro Facility is an example of this commitment and we are proud to support it. In addition to Squamish Nation’s revenue-sharing agreement with the Province, this project will ensure long-term economic benefit to the Nation,” said Honourable John Rustad, Minister of Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation for British Columbia.
About BluEarth Renewables Inc.
Headquartered in Calgary, BluEarth is a private, independent renewable power producer, focused on the acquisition, development, construction, and operation of wind, water, and solar projects, with a focus on Canada. With the most experienced renewable energy development team in Canada, BluEarth’s mission is to be the renewable energy leader by developing, building, and operating a portfolio that optimizes people, planet, and profit. BluEarth believes it has The Power to Change the FutureTM by demonstrating how to be sustainable and profitable, leaving the world a better place. For more information, visit www.bluearth.ca or follow us on twitter @BERenewables.
For more information, contact:
Kimberly Gray
Communications Specialist
BluEarth Renewables Inc.
(403) 668-1575 x422
kimberly@bluearth.ca
