At the time of its commissioning in 2010, the Toba Montrose hydro project was the largest run-of-river hydroelectric project in British Columbia. Attained in the acquisition of Alterra Power Corp. in 2018 by Innergex. Both facilities are located approximately 160 km north of Vancouver, British Columbia and transmit the renewable energy they produce over a 156 km-long, 230 kV transmission line connected to the BC Hydro point of interconnection, near Saltery Bay on the Sunshine Coast.
The Toba Valley is a geologically active area of British Columbia and, consequently, a challenging place to operate. On top of having to barge in all the equipment and materials, in 2012, the project team successfully navigated around two significant rockslides that occurred in the project area, causing damage to the infrastructure. Despite the challenges, these two large renewable energy facilities were commissioned ahead of schedule — truly a testament to the experience, perseverance and expertise employed by the team. In 2011, the project received the Lieutenant Governor’s Award for Engineering Excellence at the Consulting Engineers of British Columbia Awards.
The Toba Montrose project runs across the traditional territories of three First Nations: Klahoose, Tla’amin and Sechelt. The Klahoose First Nation and the original developer signed an Impacts and Benefits Agreement (“IBA”) in 2007 to develop the project. Benefits for the Klahoose from the IBA included royalties, opportunities for equity participation, and employment and training provisions. The project has fueled other economic development for the Klahoose by providing steady income and by building roads into areas for potential forestry operations. The Tla’amin and Sechelt First Nations assisted with site engineering and environmental studies during the early stages of development.
Qathen Xwegus Management Corporation (QXMC) is an organization made of passionate individuals who place priority on relationships, integrity, strengthening the community, and smart decision making which places people first. It is QXMC's privilege to manage the economic endeavours of the Klahoose First Nation, by focusing on business opportunities which will benefit the community, lands, and long-term goals of the Klahoose people. It is integral to Klahoose to consider what will not just provide immediate financial gain, but what will benefit future generations.