The District of Squamish will back a nearby $92 million run-of-the-river power project, as long as local bikers and kayakers are on board.
On Tuesday (Jan. 24), Run of River Power (ROR) presented its plans to council to build a 25-megawatt independent power project (IPP) on Skookum Creek. The company was seeking a letter of support from the municipality, which would eliminate the need for a consultation extension from the Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations.
Last November, then-mayor Greg Gardner requested an extension on the Feb. 12 cut-off date for stakeholder comments regarding the project. At the time, local mountain and dirt biking organizations expressed concern that the proposed 20.4 kilometres of power lines linking the plant to the B.C. Hydro power grid would interfere with popular recreational trails.
"If the 120-day extension is granted there is a very real possibility [the project] wouldn't proceed," ROR Power spokesperson Kristen Langan told council, noting that time delays and added expenses would make the project less financially viable.
For the past two years, ROR Power has worked with the Squamish Off Road Cycling Association (SORCA) and Squamish Dirt Bike Association (SDBA) to address their concerns, said Richard Hopp, president and CEO of ROR Power. The company has spent approximately $80,000 on plan alterations and consultation to minimize the project's impact on trails, he said.
More than 70 per cent of the transmission line from the plant, which is slated to be located 12 kilometres east of Squamish near Skookum Creek's confluence with the Mamquam River, overlap existing B.C. Hydro rights-of-way. The 6.2-km-long line running parallel to Skookum Creek is "oversized," Hopp added, which will allow future projects to hook into it without the need for additional infrastructure.
"We received a letter of co-operation from both groups [SORCA and SDBA]," Hopp said, noting the company is now working on agreements for both parties.
With the exception of Coun. Bryan Raiser, council voted to support the project, contingent on the endorsement from SORCA, SDBA and the Squamish Paddling Club. The letter also hinged on the proponent backing a district move to extend its boundaries to include the project and capture $570,000 in annual property taxes.
Extending the district's boundaries could take up to four years, chief administrative officer Kevin Ramsay told council last year. Hopp said he would support the municipality if it decides that's what it wants to do, but noted achieving that goal would depend on negotiations with the Squamish-Lillooet Regional District and the Squamish Nation. The plant is slated to be built on traditional territory of the Squamish.
Last month, the nation signed a long-term Impact Benefit Agreement with ROR Power. Terms of the agreement were confidential, but the company stated in a press release that it provides revenue-sharing and job opportunities for the Squamish Nation.
The district doesn't know if the trail users' concerns will be resolved, Raiser told The Chief, leaving him no choice but to vote against supporting the project.
"This project will affect every section of mountain biking in this community," he said.
Although council has no say on whether the project proceeds because it lies outside of the municipality's boundaries, council's decision eliminates any hope for further input, Raiser said.
"We voted to say, 'I hope this all works out,'" he said.
Economic growth was an issue all councillors highlighted during last November's election, Coun. Doug Race noted. During the plant's two-year construction period, it's estimated the project will provide 320 direct jobs and 255 indirect jobs for Squamish. During that time, Hopp anticipates those workers will pump $8 million into the local economy.
"Two years of construction jobs is better than no construction jobs," Race said, adding the long-term benefit is the additional tax money.
If all the required permits are secured, ROR Power aims to start construction this year.
