Wildstone Construction begins work on Canada’s largest off-grid solar project

Key Takeaways:

• The Anahim Lake Solar Project, led by the Ulkatcho Energy Corporation (UEC), is set to reduce diesel dependency in the remote Anahim Lake community by approximately 64%, contributing to BC’s greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction goals.
• The project leverages partnerships with Wildstone Construction, SkyFire Energy, and local stakeholders, emphasizing First Nations collaboration, skills development, and long-term economic benefits for the Ulkatcho First Nation.
• Supported through federal and provincial funding programs, including the Green Infrastructure Stream and CleanBC Communities Fund, the project also features partnerships with prominent entities like ATCO, Hatch, and Hitachi Canada, showcasing a model for clean energy initiatives in remote communities.

The Whole Story:

Canada’s largest off-grid solar project has officially entered the construction phase with Penticton-based Wildstone Construction as the principal contractor.

When completed near Lake Anahim, B.C, the Anahim Lake Solar Project it is set to reduce the need for diesel generation in the remote community by approximately 64%. The Ulkatcho First Nation is off-the-grid, and power is currently entirely diesel generated. 

The Ulkatcho Energy Corporation (UEC) has announced that Duz Cho Construction LP
has completed the civil earthworks for the Solar Plant site. UEC is transforming the industrial land of an old sawmill owned by Yun Ka Whu’ten Forestry (a Member of the Ulkatcho Group of Companies) for the project. The project also includes the construction of a new access road, a solar control and monitoring facility, fire management, and other related property upgrades.

The UEC says it has made significant strides in the construction process with the recent selection of
Wildstone Construction Ltd. as the principal contractor, following a competitive process.

“Wildstone is proud to be involved in this groundbreaking initiative along with our solar partner, SkyFire Energy,” said Mark Melissen, CEO Wildstone Construction Ltd. “This project not only marks a significant step toward sustainable energy for the Ulkatcho First Nation in Anahim Lake, but also offers long-term economic benefits, supporting local growth and energy independence for future generations.”

Based in Penticton, Wildstone brings a wealth of experience in executing projects within remote communities in BC, Alberta and Yukon, a strong commitment to collaborating with First Nations, use of local resources, and supporting long-term skills development for community members.

The UEC thanked all of its core funders and founding Technical Alliance Partners for all their support, noting that there is now a growing list of other collaborators assisting it in moving towards its objectives and eventual completion of project. This includes Strategies North Advisory and UGoC-DWB Consulting Services.

“This project marks a new path and a significant milestone for the Ulkatcho First Nation,” said Stephen James, CEO Ulkatcho Group of Companies. “Thanks to the unwavering support from BC Hydro and our Federal & Provincial Governments, the Anahim Lake Solar Project will greatly reduce the community’s reliance on diesel fuel. and will contribute to reducing BC’s GHG emissions. We value the opportunity to develop strong alliance partnerships in this Project, and look forward to working with Wildstone Construction Ltd.”

As the Anahim Lake Solar Project progresses, Ulkatcho Energy Corporation invites community members and stakeholders to stay informed. Future updates will be shared through the Ulkatcho First Nation website and social media channels.

The Anahim Lake Solar Project construction is expected to be completed by October
2025. On April 19, 2024, Ulkatcho Energy Corporation and BC Hydro signed a first-ever
Community Electricity Purchase Agreement (CEPA) for electricity generated through the
Solar Plant.

The Anahim Lake Solar Project is being supported through blended funding including:

• the Government of Canada through the Green Infrastructure Stream of the
  Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program, the Community Opportunity
  Readiness Program, and Natural Resources Canada
• the Government of British Columbia through the CleanBC Communities Fund,
  and
• the New Relationship Trust through the Community Energy Diesel Reduction and
  BC Indigenous Clean Energy Initiative programs.

The Founding Technical Alliance Partners include:

• ATCO (Owner’s Representative)
• Hatch (Engineering)
• Bennett Jones (Legal Advisors)
• Hitachi Canada (Major Equipment Supplier)
• BMO Bank of Montreal (Everyday Banking)