Constructing a Renewable Microgrid at Yuquot
Mowachaht/Muchalaht First Nation (MMFN)
Yuquot, located within MMFN’s traditional territory, is a place of profound cultural significance and is recognized as a National Historic…
Renewable and Low-Carbon Energy
In 2022, the Trust invested in the North Island Sustainable Power Coalition, a partnership of First Nations and local governments focused on local renewable energy and eliminating the frequent power outages disrupting communities.
Renewable and Low-Carbon Energy
Reliable, affordable energy is the backbone of a resilient coastal community. We focus our investments on infrastructure that reduces dependency on fossil fuels, supports energy conservation, and creates new renewable energy that lowers costs or generates new revenue for the communities we serve.
We encourage proposals for projects that focus on or incorporate renewable and low-carbon energy. We proactively seek opportunities to invest alongside First Nations and rural communities working to strengthen the stability and sovereignty of their energy, so they can own and lead the systems they depend on, reduce the risks island and inlet communities face from barging in fuel, and rely less on fossil fuels to grow and sustain their communities.
Through investments in community-owned and low-carbon energy infrastructure, we help build an energy system the coast can rely on for the long term: one that delivers cleaner, more reliable power, lowers emissions, frees up savings for local priorities, and puts the benefits and control of energy in the hands of the communities it powers.
Quatsino First Nation Leads North Island Transmission Line Collaboration
Quatsino First Nation
Quatsino First Nation will lead the North Island transmission Line Project forward, building a formalized partnership between Quatsino, Ehattesaht, Ka:’yu:’k’t’h’/Che:k:tles7et’h’,…
Northern Vancouver Island Electric Vehicle (EV) Charging Station Network
Regional District Mount Waddington
There are a growing number of electric vehicles on Vancouver Island (up from just over 1,100 in 2016 to over…
What Projects Do We Fund?
Projects We Fund
- Renewable energy projects such as solar, wind, hydroelectric, geothermal, ocean power, or biomass as a component of long-term economic development
- Small-scale community-owned energy generation to power a First Nation or rural community in whole or in part
- District energy and heating systems that reduce emissions, lower costs, or create long-term community benefit
- Infrastructure that reduces fossil fuel dependency and greenhouse gas emissions, such as a regional EV charging network
Projects We Do Not Fund
- Projects that do not generate new revenue or realize long-term, sustainable cost savings
- Energy improvements to community infrastructure not connected to economic development, such as public office buildings, schools, hospitals, or recreational and health centres
- Community energy plans, audits, or feasibility studies for renewable or low carbon energy projects
Start the Conversation
However far along you are – an early idea, a plan taking shape, or a proposal nearly ready – the best next step is a conversation. That is where we like to start, and where the best projects usually begin.
We welcome every chance to work alongside you as your project takes shape. Reach out before you start a funding application, while the plan is still forming. When you share where you’re headed, we can help shape it with you and build a strong application together.
We’re available by phone or online, and we’re glad to meet in person, welcoming the opportunity to meet in your community.
