Community leaders are taking another close look at replacing diesel power on Haida Gwaii.
Representatives from the Council of the Haida Nation (CHN) met with village staff from Old Massett, Masset, and Queen Charlotte on May 4.
Joining them were representatives from WSP Group, an alternative energy company, which suggested a costed review of the islands’ ‘green’ energy options, which may include wind, tidal, solar, or other power sources. Village staff suggested the all-island review could be funded in part by the BC Rural Dividend Fund.
But speaking at a May 15 council meeting, Port Clements Mayor Urs Thomas suggested a different step before going ahead with another study — restarting the All-Island Energy Committee and reviewing the five green-energy proposals that are still on the books with BC Hydro.
“We have enough studies,” he said.
“First, let’s re-establish the committee and review the five proposals that sit with BC Hydro and the CHN, and then make a decision if we still need a study.”
In 2012, BC Hydro put out a call and got 26 proposals for cost-effective, renewable electricity projects on Haida Gwaii.
An All-Island Energy Committee struck by the CHN narrowed the list to five before the project stalled.
“It was a frustrating process, very frustrating, because some of the communities didn’t buy into it,” said Thomas, who was a committee member.
Although some councillors argued that green-energy options have changed enough in the last five years to warrant a new study, councillors voted in favour of Thomas’ motion to review the previous five proposals first.
Either way, said Councillor Doug Daugert, it will be important for Haida Gwaii to present a united plan at the next Union of B.C. Municipalities meeting this fall.
“We will have more traction if we go in with all communities.”