Hot Springs Cove project gives First Nation new option after years of relying on diesel
The passenger boat sliced dense coastal fog on the early morning ride to Hot Springs Cove, but by time family, friends and guests stepped foot on the village dock, the sun was breaking.
Aug. 8 marked a milestone day for the little community of about 55 people, as they celebrated the culmination of Ah’ta’apq Creek Hydropower, a renewable energy project that spent nearly 20 years on the shelves. After finally getting greenlit, it was almost quashed due to pandemic restrictions. But as of November 2021, HFN successfully weaned off diesel generators with a 350-kilowatt run-of-river hydropower and solar microgrid that is 100 per cent owned by the First Nation. The renewable energy infrastructure has since dramatically reduced the nation’s dependence on diesel fuel consumption, improved their environmental footprint and created a savings of $375,000 in diesel bills in the first year alone.
“That’s the way forward. Moving forward we can only do business in a way that is Indigenous-led and that has Indigenous stakes and equity in these projects,” said Osborne, who was a fisheries biologist for the Nuu-chah-nulth Tribal Council before entering politics.“I hope in years to come we will be able to see other projects to fruition in your community. I hope this is one project of many more to come. Thanks for having us and thanks so much for welcoming us with open arms.
“When it rains, the power can go for days and days,” Lucas said, adding that he pays about $30 a month for the electricity. After the Good Friday 1964 Tsunami destroyed most of the housing in Hot Springs Cove, many Hesquiaht families relocated to Port Alberni.
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