Nothing succeeds like success, and that is true of the Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation’s hydro-electric run-of-river power projects. Just ask Parliamentary Secretary Mark Strahl, who today announced a federal investment of $554,487 in the third of a planned string of run-of-river projects; this one at Winchie Creek.
Strahl, who is Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development, toured the first award-winning powerhouse at Canoe Creek with hereditary and elected leaders of Tla-o-qui-aht Nation. After a blessing by Levi Martin and introductions of the Ha’wiih by Joe David, Saya Masso, Tla-o-qui-aht economic development officer, introduced Strahl who said the planned Winchie power project will create jobs and bring revenues to the community, calling the project an “impressive undertaking.”
The Canoe Creek project produces enough electricity to power 3,000 houses on Vancouver Island. The Winchie project will be slightly smaller at 4.2 megawatts and is about a year away from construction, but the dollars announced will go to complete the engineering aspects of the proposal.
Strahl is currently taking part in a round table with Nuu-chah-nulth youth at Tin Wis about their experiences with the programs through the Nuu-chah-nulth Employment and Training Program and Enhanced Service Delivery.
