Some residents of the Bella Coola area are scrutinizing a potential hydro project in Charlotte Lake Alplands over environmental concerns.
Knight Piésold, a consulting company in charge of the project proposal, applied for an investigative license aimed at studying the potential location, Banana Lake, for renewable energy, specifically, a water power project.
Khya Saban, a resident of the area, opposes the project, signifying detrimental implications the project may have on wildlife in the region.
She said the watersheds planned will lead to fluctuating water levels, claiming it will effect waterfowl and their nests. “A drop in water level would send the nest site far from water, putting them in danger of predators and potential loss of security and food,” she stated in a letter to Black Press.
Chris Czajkowski, a resident who ran a business in the area for 23 years shared the same concern.
However, Knight Piésold stated it has been in correspondence with the local First Nations government, Tŝilhqot’in National Government (TNG), to scout out multiple locations in their traditional territory for renewable energy projects.
“The studies are still at their conceptual stage, and we welcome input from all stakeholders as to their concerns. The sites that are deemed less favorable by our clients and First Nations Partners, together with feedback received from all stakeholders, will not be pursued,” said Sam Mottram, managing principal at Knight Piésold.
TNG said in an email that it was approached by the consulting company in the very early stages of the project and was told about the potential plans for renewable energy in their territory.
Jenny Philbrick, TNG executive director, said, “We are strong advocates for clean energy, in particular solar farms, which is something we have developed already along Highway 20 and in several of our communities. To date, the proponent has begun engagement with us and the Tŝilhqot’in community of Tŝideldel respectfully, and we wish to learn more about the breadth of potential opportunities that could lead to projects in the future.”
She added that while they are interested in economic development opportunities that prioritize Tŝilhqot’in values and include the protection of the environment, they are not in the position to advocate for or against any potential projects until they learn more about it, the location, its impacts, and the views of the community members in the matter.
“For now, we understand that the decision being contemplated by the province is solely for the license to investigate the project to make informed assessments and decisions on next steps, and is not a decision about the project itself,” she said.
In an email to Black Press Media, the Ministry of Water, Land, and Resource Stewardship stated that the investigative license the proponent applied for would give it temporary access to the land for the purpose of gathering information, such as surveys and environmental assessments.
The ministry added that the license does not allow the proponent to begin construction, development or permanent disturbance of the land, nor does it give them approval to proceed with the future project.
All the information provided by the public, including public comments received from March 19 to May 8 for the investigative license application, along with information from the public and local governments, will play a part in the decision for the license.
According to the ministry, the license is still in the preliminary stages and would require agency referrals and First Nations consultation to proceed.
However, despite the decision for the license being in the early stages, several residents remain concerned.
The province added that a decision for the investigative license will be made in the next four months and communicated to the public through B.C.’s Applications, Comments and Reasons for Decision (ACRFD) website.
“If a proponent were to pursue development in the future, a separate application would be required and would be subject to its own review process, including additional opportunities for public engagement and input,” the email reads.
By Yashvika Grover, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
Original Published on Jun 08, 2026 at 16:20
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