As a regional economic development initiative, the North Island transmission Line Project will address energy infrastructure challenges on the northwest coast of Vancouver Island through a First Nation-led consortium process.
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’, Nuchatlaht, and Mowachaht/Muchalaht First Nations.
The project aims to drive economic growth, while supporting reconciliation and Indigenous economic sovereignty by improving grid reliability and unlocking shared ownership opportunities with BC Hydro.
Island Coastal Economic Trust is investing with Quatsino First Nation through its Investment Readiness program, which includes an economic stream for regional collaborations.
Quatsino First Nation will lead the consortium process and establish a framework for collaborative planning, resource sharing, governance, and decision making to ensure long-term energy sovereignty and socio-economic benefits. The agreement will emphasize First Nations’ authority over major industrial developments, aligning growth with community priorities.
Economic Prosperity: Although this is a long-term initiative, the planning phase is an important step towards expanding energy infrastructure that currently limits economic opportunities in the region. The report will identify viable opportunities for renewable energy generation and grid expansion, unlocking economic growth for multiple First Nations and regional communities.
Social Empowerment: The initiative will enhance regional capacity, focused within First Nations communities, to develop technical skills and knowledge essential for participation in future energy infrastructure projects. The project will support four direct, temporary jobs, during the consulting phase, while also offering skills training programs to create pathways for long-term job creation.
Climate Resiliency: The initiative will explore ways to integrated renewable energy generation, while also outlining the grid improvements required to reduce community’s dependency on fossil-fuel powered generators that supplement insufficient electricity supply.
Cultural Vitality: This initiative will empower Quatsino First Nation’s leadership in planning and implementation, reinforcing self-determination and governance. Through collaboration with neighbouring First Nations, it will also honour shared cultural values, foster reconciliation, and align with traditional environmental stewardship practices.
Brodie Guy
CEO
Island Coastal Economic Trust
250-871-7797
brodie@islandcoastaltrust.ca
James Redford
Director of Lands and Resources
Quatsino First Nation
250-949-6404
lands@quatsinofn.ca
Island Coastal Economic Trust approved funding for this project in February 2025 through the Investment Readiness program.
As we work toward inclusive and resilient economic futures, we do so with a deep appreciation for the histories, contributions, and rights of the Kwak̓wala/Bakwam’kala, Nuučaa̓nuɫ, Éy7á7juuthem, Ligwilda'xw, Pəntl'áč, She shashishalhem, Hul’q’umi’num’, diitiidʔaatx̣, SENĆOŦEN, Skwxwú7mesh, Lekwungen, and T’Sou-ke speaking peoples.
