PENTICTON — The Northwest Power Line Coalition reacted positively to news that the provincial government will proceed with the Environmental Assessment process and First Nations consultation for a northwest power line along the Highway 37 corridor.
"We are pleased that the provincial government has taken this important step forward in the potential development of a northwest power line," said Janine North, CEO of the Northern Development Initiative Trust. "The economic activity that could be generated by a power line includes mining, tourism and clean power projects."
"Today’s announcement by the Province is welcome news," said Pierre Gratton, President and CEO of the Mining Association of B.C. "A power line along Highway 37 in northwest B.C. has the potential to create thousands of jobs and provide additional revenues to government."
A study by the Mining Association of B.C. found that a power line along Highway 37 has the potential to attract more than $15 billion in capital investment, create 10,700 jobs and generate $300 million in annual tax revenues to governments.
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The Northwest Power Line Coalition includes the Northern Development Initiative Trust with its forty member communities, the Mining Association of British Columbia, the Association of Mineral Exploration of British Columbia, and a number of First Nations, mining companies, independent power producers and local businesses — including engineering firms and equipment suppliers — and concerned citizens. More information is available online at www.highway37.com
