Climate Change is Creating Significant Human-Existence Challenges Worldwide
In Hartley Bay, community members have noticed and reported on local changes such as low creek levels in hotter, dryer summers, seaweed taking longer to dry than in previous years, increased rain and water flow in winter, and increased drought and fire danger in summer.
As far back as the 1970s, Gitga’ata advocates fought to avoid burning diesel to create electricity in Hartley Bay. Cleaning the air by eliminating greenhouse gases (GHGs) was a driving force. The advocates were in favour of building a local clean energy hydroelectric project, using the five metres of annual rainfall in the Great Bear Rainforest to generate electricity. In 1978, the Federal Government deemed a $1 million project estimate too much.
In 2003, based on two years of prior meetings, Gitga’at First Nation members wrote their direction in a Community Energy Plan. Feedback from members indicated that they wanted a hydroelectric project. The initiative would bring economic spinoffs, energy security, reduced power costs, and many other local benefits—protecting fish, reducing GHGs, and improving community health.
Studies of all the potential nearby water resources determined that the Hydroelectric Project would utilize Hartley Bay’s watershed, also known as the Gabion Watershed or Watershed #7288, as the best hydroelectric resource to pursue. This Water Security Project is vital to climate resilience while obtaining water and power assurance.
A reliable, independent power source also means food security in Hartley Bay. Projects of this nature provide employment and training opportunities and catalyze sustainable economic development efforts in the community and the Nation’s territory.
SECURING CLEAN ENERGY AND WATER FOR GENERATIONS
Addressing Climate Risk with New Infrastructure
Water security, or watershed security, implies sufficient high-quality water for healthy ecosystems and communities.
Watershed security can be different in every area and is best defined locally. In 2019, a provincial Climate Risk Assessment concluded that seasonal and long-term water shortages are among the greatest risks to residents of BC. Research demonstrates that climate change can amplify weather patterns, potentially resulting in heat waves, wildfires, and floods, as we have seen throughout the province.
Phase one of the Water and Energy Security Projects involves building a weir/dam structure at the mouth of the Upper Gabion Lake. The asset will be approximately 5.5-metre high, 100–110-metre long concrete and steel structure. It is one asset with three functions
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Excess water overflow and release
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Controlled release of impounded water during drought conditions and for energy creation the rest of the year
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Protecting fish and their habitats through a continuous in-stream flow release
Once built, the weir structure will enable Hartley Bay to control flows from the Upper Lake —conserving water to discharge it to offset drought when required and releasing excess volumes over the spillway. This infrastructure will put the Nation in a strong position to withstand and adapt to climate change.
SECURING THE FUTURE BY
MANAGING OUR WATERSHED
Preserving Water
Resources in our Territory
Safe Drinking
Water for All
Whether freshwater or saltwater, the lives, culture, and traditions of Gitga’at members rely heavily on waters within the Nation’s territory. All beings require high-quality water that is safe to consume—a dam will give the Nation additional water reserves should climate change dry up the creeks and rivers that feed Hartley Bay.
Healthy Watershed Ecosystems
As part of water security, the Water Sustainability Act is the primary law governing freshwater in BC. Gitga’at First Nation will complete all provincially required scientific and cultural studies to build the Water Security project and achieve legal and regulatory approvals. We will follow all other provincial and federal laws about water management.
Reduced Risk
from Drought
GFN will apply for a Water Licence to build the weir and dam for their water security and energy projects. After the dam construction, Upper Lake water levels will rise by 3 metres. Water security and electricity production will be achieved through water release management and will provide the Nation with always available water for fire control, drinking water, sewage management, and fish flows.
THE ROAD TO WATER AND ENERGY
SECURITY STARTS TODAY
With Partial Funding Secured,
Construction Has Begun
The Government of Canada has agreed with Gitga’at First Nation that climate change threatens Hartley Bay’s water supply in hot, dry summers. They have agreed to fund the weir construction with a dam, and controls to impound water. A road is being built to get up to the mouth of the Upper Lake and get the materials and equipment to construct the weir. As at January 2024 the road is built to get up to the mouth of the Upper Lake and get the materials and equipment there to construct the weir.
The weir assets will be built with the Water Licence secured, and then the penstock, powerhouse, switchyard, and transmission lines can be installed.
◆ COMPLETED
◐ STARTED
○ UPCOMING
◉ ONGOING
