B.C. Hydro and the Gitanyow First Nation have reached an impact-benefit agreement on the $404-million Northwest Transmission Line, which puts to rest the First Nation's recent escalating unhappiness over bargaining on the project.
Gitanyow chief Glen Williams said they didn't get everything they wanted, but that they can live with the agreement. "There has to be a balance between protecting the land and economic interest. We are prepared to work with this," said Williams.
Just last month, the Gitanyow said they were prepared to step up their fight in the face of what they called an inadequate benefits package from B.C. Hydro, threatening to block roads.
The agreement is the sixth that B.C. Hydro has reached with First Nations impacted by the 344-kilometre power line. The agreements with First Nations are considered critical to seeing the project go ahead.
The power line is expected to lead to industrial development, including mining and run-of-the-river power projects.
Even though the power line and industrial development would take place in a largely-untapped region of northwest B.C., the development is expected to have spinoff benefits for Prince George.
The city is the largest community in northern B.C., and acts as a supply and service centre for the region.
The power line already has environmental regulatory approval from the federal and provincial governments.
Williams said B.C. Hydro moved on some key environmental issues, including attention to wildlife impacts and a Gitanyow land-use plan that protects certain areas. An access management plan will also be developed
The Gitanyow also expect to participate in the economic benefits of the project, which include jobs and contract opportunities.
As well as job and contract opportunities, the agreement includes a cash compensation settlement. B.C. Hydro did not disclose the amount of the cash settlement.
B.C. Hydro senior official Bruce Barrett said they were pleased to reach the agreement. "These agreements are quite complex, so the negotiations have taken some time," he said. "But in the end, I believe we have an agreement that will be of benefit to the project and of significant benefit to the Gitanyow."
Hydro continues discussions with three remaining First Nations: the Kitsumkalum, the Gitxsan and the Lax Kw'alaams.
