Those of you who dutifully read my column (thank you!) will know that I have been writing and speaking about Atlantic Power for over a year now – ever since the company warned BC Hydro in early 2024 they would have to cease operations imminently due to economic hardship.
The Atlantic Power Williams Lake plant has been operating since 1993, producing enough biomass-generated energy for 50,000 homes. The Williams Lake plant creates power out of wood waste fibre from the sawmill and logging industries – instead of this wood waste being burned in slash piles or left on the ground to rot, it is used to generate clean energy and mitigate wildfire risk.
Last month, I launched a petition calling on B.C. Premier David Eby and his ministers of forests, energy, and environment to immediately renegotiate the Atlantic Power contract.
Nearly 1,750 of you signed the petition (incredible!), and shortly after, Atlantic Power and BC Hydro secured a deal. Thanks to all of you and the pressure you put on the government, the Atlantic Power biomass plant will continue to operate for another four years.
Thank you also to those who wrote letters supporting the cause, including Williams Lake Mayor Surinderpal Rathor, Williams Lake Councillor Scott Nelson, local Conservative MP Todd Doherty, and Cariboo Regional District Chair Margo Wagner. And kudos to all the staff behind the scenes.
We all did our part here to save Cariboo-Chilcotin’s economy, protect local jobs, and support clean energy. After all, Atlantic Power is the single largest property taxpayer in Williams Lake, providing approximately $1.7 million in revenue. They employ 40 staff directly and support another 100 jobs indirectly. Having a business in our area like this power plant means that we can have stronger commerce overall in our region.
Thank you again to everyone who added their voice on this matter, making a true impact!
This victory is under our belt, but there is never a shortage of work to do. Improving access to rural health care, securing resources for those with mental health struggles and addictions, providing supports for seniors, advocating for affordable housing… These issues continue to be top of mind.
This spring will be a season of productivity, that’s for sure!
