A proposed hydroelectric development that could increase Tla’amin Nation’s
water supply, among other benefits, is one step closer to being built.

The nation is moving forward with a full feasibility study for the project that will involve researching fish habitats and conducting various other assessments.

Hegus Clint Williams

The BC government, which is funding the study, said that there is potential for a three-megawatt hydroelectric development on the Sliammon River and Lake. (Sliammon was the name of Tla’amin before its treaty was signed in April 2016.)

The development, if built, would involve upgrading and replacing current infrastructure. It could provide the community with sustainable energy, jobs and income through selling electricity to BC Hydro.

“The end point of this project is to have a clean-energy power source that will provide  sustainable revenue and jobs and training opportunities for our community,” Tla’amin Hegus (Chief) Clint Williams said in a statement.

“This is one step on a long journey, but it is a journey that we are choosing to take together.”