Meager Geothermal Project Community Engagement

Update and Overview 2024

 

A company called Meager Creek Development Corporation is proposing to develop a geothermal project at Q̓welq̓welústen (Mount Meager), within the territory of Líl̓wat Nation.

The project would entail the development of a geothermal facility at Mount Meager and the energy produced would be used to create “green hydrogen” for sale.

More information about Meager Creek Development Corporation and their proposed Meager Geothermal Project can be found here https://meagercreek.ca

Líl̓wat Consultation Process with Meager Creek Development Corporation

Líl̓wat Nation is engaging in consultations with Meager Creek Development Corporation (MCDC) in accordance with the process outlined in the Líl̓wat Nation Land Use Referral Consultation Policy.   The Consultation Policy outlines three stages of consultation for projects of this size:

  1. Setting the terms for engaging in consultation, through the signing of a Consultation Agreement,
  2. Conducting research and community engagement to better understand the project potential impacts and benefits, and
  3. Determining whether to negotiate an Impact Benefit Agreement, which would set the terms and condition for Líl̓wat Nation approval of the project.

A Consultation Agreement between Líl̓wat Nation and MCDC was signed in 2021, and we are currently in phase two – gathering of information to understand the scope this project’s potential impacts and benefits.

In this capacity, the Lands and Resources Department has completed an Archaeological Study, Socio-economic Study, and Traditional Use Study. The Lands and Resources Department is also providing guidance, oversight and field work support to the ongoing environmental studies designed to collect environmental data within the proposed development areas.

For copies of these reports, please email meagerinfo@lilwat.ca

Report List:

  1. Archaeology Study
  2. Socio-Economic Study
  3. Traditional Use Study
  4. Environmental Studies

Community Engagement

Through the months of May, June and July, the Lands and Resources Department is leading community engagement initiatives to share information about the proposed Meager Geothermal Project and gather input from Líl̓wat citizens.

Information gathered will be documented and presented to Chiefs and Council, along with the results of the archaeological, socio-economic, traditional use, and environmental studies. Chiefs and Council will then use this information to determine whether to proceed with the negotiation of an Impact Benefit Agreement, which would be the terms and conditions for Líl̓wat Nation to approve the project.

The following community engagement activities are currently being planned:

  • Meetings with Líl̓wat Nation Boards and Committees,
  • An engagement session with Elders,
  • Engagements with youth through the Youth Centre, XCS and Tśzil Learning Centre,
  • An on-line webinar to present information and facilitate questions and answers, and
  • A Community Open House.

Stay tuned for further website postings about these activities and events. If you have any questions, please reach out to us via email at meagerinfo@lilwat.ca

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