Kokish River Hydro Project & the ‘Namgis First Nation

The Kokish hydro project provided us the opportunity to evolve in our approach to operating sustainably. Developed in close collaboration with our equity partners, the ‘Namgis First Nation, this award-winning project, with its innovative design, combines ecological conservation with sound economics.

In 2014, alongside our equity partners, the ‘Namgis First Nation, we celebrated the opening of our Kokish hydro facility. Located on the Kokish River, its 45 MW capacity delivers power to 13,000 homes annually. Our partnership ensured the timely completion of a complex project, and the operation of a facility that provides socio-economic benefits to the community while respecting and protecting the river’s ecosystem and biodiversity.

Partnership Milestones

The Kokish project was initiated in 2004, when Brookfield Renewable and the ‘Namgis First Nation began to explore opportunities. This resulted in the creation of a limited partnership vehicle in 2006. With a strong emphasis on open dialogue, we focused on understanding expectations and discussing community values and benefits during information sessions held in 2007. Construction of the facility began in 2012, reaching completion in 2014. The project was constructed and delivered on time with a total capital cost of approximately $200 million.

Environmental Considerations

The project was designed to protect the river’s complex ecosystem, especially as it relates to the fish species that are integral to the ‘Namgis First Nation’s culture. To ensure the long-term health of adult and juvenile fish populations in the river, the project deploys some of the most innovative wildlife protection measures in North America, including specially designed screens, gates, a fish ladder and fish fence. This unique environmentally focused design was made possible through this collaboration and the integration of traditional knowledge.

An Ongoing Partnership

Nowadays, we continue to collaborate in operating the facility, conducting key environmental studies and contributing to the ‘Namgis First Nation community through a community fund financed by a portion of the facility’s revenues.