A new agreement with the provincial  government will allow the Splatsin First Nation to receive provincial revenues from the Cranberry  Creek hydroelectric project.

The project expands the existing South Cranberry Creek hydro power facility located  25 kilometres south of Revelstoke, near Shelter Bay. A three-megawatt  turbine, generating an estimated 9.8 gigawatts annually, will be installed.

“The Cranberry Creek area is of high cultural value to Splatsin and the Secwepemc Nation,” said Wayne Christian, chief of the Enderby area Splatsin band.

“This agreement confirms our interests in the resources  of the area. We expect all clean energy development to be developed  responsibly and sustainably in partnership with First Nations.”

Once the project is fully operational, provincial revenue sharing to the Splatsin First Nation is forecast to be $3,618 per year over the life of the project.

“First Nations’ participation in the growing clean energy sector is  vital,” said John Rustad, aboriginal relations minister.

“These agreements support that goal and ensure First Nations gain social and economic benefit for their communities through revenue-sharing and clean energy development.”