Latest news with #IndigenousCommunityInfrastructureInitiative
Cision Canada
24-07-2025
- Business
- Cision Canada
CIB commits $24M to renewable energy project in remote First Nation community in Northern Quebec Français
Biomass cogeneration facility to replace diesel energy source and create jobs Disponible en français 4.8-megawatt biomass plant will ensure long-term energy security and foster economic development for the Atikamekw of Opitciwan community Facility will cut use of 4.6 million litres of diesel annually and prevent frequent power outages Will support 40 jobs during construction and 15 direct and indirect full-time jobs during operations OPITCIWAN, QC, July 24, 2025 /CNW/ - The Canada Infrastructure Bank (CIB) has closed a $24-million loan to support the Atikamekw of Opitciwan, a remote First Nation community in Northern Quebec, in its energy transition aimed at significantly reducing diesel as its primary energy source. Onimiskiw Opitciwan Limited Partnership will construct and operate the 4.8-megawatt Centrale de cogénération d'Opitciwan. The facility will generate electricity by burning bark, sawdust and woodchips produced by an adjacent sawmill. Additionally, steam from the new energy plant will power a new wood kiln at the sawmill. The project will bring significant health and environmental benefits for the community of 2,500 members by reducing nitrogen oxide and sulphur dioxide emissions from the current diesel-based energy generation. The sustainable energy initiative will cut more than 11,000 tonnes of emissions and reduce the use of diesel by 4.6 million litres annually. The project, along with the CIB's investment, could serve as a model to support other Indigenous communities in Quebec and across Canada by reducing their reliance on diesel as their primary energy source, through the integration of renewable sources. The new power plant will support 40 jobs during construction and 15 direct and indirect full-time jobs during operations. The facility is designed to accommodate community growth, including the capacity to support future housing development. The Centrale de cogénération d'Opitciwan, along with a new substation and battery energy storage system built by Hydro-Quebec, will significantly improve the stability of community's independent electrical network, which currently experiences frequent power outages. Endorsements The CIB is pleased to support the Atikamekw of Opitciwan First Nation in the development of this cogeneration plant which will supply the community with a reliable, secure energy source, along with additional economic opportunities. Financing from the CIB's Indigenous Community Infrastructure Initiative will eliminate diesel as the community's primary energy source. Cleaner energy options are needed in many remote Indigenous communities and the CIB is proud of the work we are doing to support these projects across Canada. Ehre n Cory, CEO, Canada Infrastructure Bank Investments like these—that support our communities, build energy independence, and create good-paying jobs—are driving Indigenous-led infrastructure projects across the country. The Canada Infrastructure Bank's $24 million investment in the Atikamekw of Opitciwan's biomass cogeneration facility is good news for our riding and a testament to the country we're building together with all our partners. Hon. François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Finance and National Revenue, on behalf of the Hon. Gregor Robertson, Minister of Housing and Infrastructure and Minister responsible for Pacific Economic Development Canada Remote Indigenous communities face unique barriers that require tailored solutions. The Atikamekw of Opitciwan project is a vital step forward, providing support not only to the Opitciwan community but also serving as a model to empower Indigenous communities across the country. I want to congratulate Chief Jean-Claude Mequish for this project and thank him for his leadership. Hon. Mandy Gull-Masty, Minister of Indigenous Services The biomass cogeneration plant is an innovative project for Opitciwan. By using local and renewable resources, we can not only produce clean energy, but also stimulate our local economy and ensure energy security for our members. This project is an example of what we can achieve when we work together for a greener, more prosperous future. Mikwetc to the CIB for their support. Chief Jean-Claude Mequish, Council of the Atikamekw First Nation The biomass cogeneration project represents a major step forward for our community. Not only will it enable us to reduce our dependence on diesel, it will also create jobs and improve our quality of life. We are grateful to the CIB for its support and commitment to the development of our energy infrastructure. , President, Onimiskiw Opitciwan Limited Partnership
Cision Canada
25-06-2025
- Business
- Cision Canada
Infrastructure funding to help build housing at two Vancouver Island First Nations
CIB providing $66.7 million in loans to Malahat Nation and Cowichan Tribes Disponible en français Enabling infrastructure and water and wastewater treatment to facilitate on-reserve housing and economic development Addresses community housing shortages and affordability First Canada Infrastructure Bank (CIB) projects on Vancouver Island to achieve financial close COWICHAN, BC, June 25, 2025 /CNW/ - Malahat Nation and Cowichan Tribes on Vancouver Island are receiving a combined $66.7 million in loans to enable on-reserve housing construction and business development. Funding for both projects comes from the Canada Infrastructure Bank's Indigenous Community Infrastructure Initiative (ICII). The CIB has committed more than $1 billion to date on projects for and in partnership with Indigenous communities. Malahat Nation's access to a $57.8-million loan will help fund the replacement of a 28-year-old water treatment plant that is at capacity and build a new wastewater treatment plant to replace failing septic beds. Increased water capacity will enhance emergency preparedness while the new wastewater system will better protect local ground water, the ecosystem and shellfish beds in Saanich Inlet. The CIB's investment will amplify $15.8 million in contributions from Indigenous Services Canada to further unlock the development of Malahat's primary reserve lands, located 25 kilometres northwest of Victoria, enabling new housing and economic development opportunities. Planned developments include a multi-residential project with over 200 units, a building for Thales (west coast home of Department of National Defence AJISS Program) and a battery plant. An $8.9-million loan from the CIB to a Khowutzun Development Corporation (KDC) project, in partnership with BC Housing through the Province's BC Builds program, will support enabling infrastructure for the Rivers Edge development. KDC, which is wholly owned by Cowichan Tribes, developed this on-reserve project that includes two rental buildings, commercial space, an outdoor kitchen, children's play area and community gardens. The CIB's investment unlocks the opportunity to build the 200-home development on Cowichan Tribes' reserve lands by financing new infrastructure such as site preparation, utility upgrades and connections, roads and streetscaping, and electric vehicle charging stations Rivers Edge is being celebrated as a model of collaborative partnership, overcoming challenges in securing funding from multiple sources. The project is part of Cowichan Tribes' economic development strategy through KDC and prioritizes the needs of its citizens—who will have the first right of refusal for all homes in Rivers Edge, including the 20% of homes at Rivers Edge that will be rented at below-market rates. The broader development will also generate career and training opportunities for Cowichan Tribes citizens and other First Nations through KDC initiatives such as Cowichan Contractors — a group of 100% Indigenous-owned Cowichan Tribes companies offering services like site servicing and excavation. Economic benefits generated by the project will be reinvested into the community, supporting long-term prosperity. Endorsements The CIB's two investments on Vancouver Island will help First Nations build much-needed housing to welcome off-reserve citizens home. The Malahat Nation water and wastewater project underscores the importance of speeding up development timelines for projects that have outsized positive impacts - even in small communities. Enabling infrastructure will allow the Cowichan Tribes to build much-needed housing for their citizens and the broader community. Ehre n Cory, CEO, Canada Infrastructure Bank Today marks a significant step forward — not just for this project, but for the well-being of our entire community. The CIB's investment in these developments will help deliver a modern, reliable water and wastewater infrastructure. These next steps are vital in creating a brighter future for the next generations, bringing both meaningful employment and the much-needed housing our Nation deserves. Chief Gordon Harry, Malahat Nation As the largest First Nation in BC by population with more than 5,500 citizens, the need for housing for our families is acute. However, there are many complex challenges to building on-reserve housing. I commend KDLLP for the unique partnerships and collaboration they have fostered with the Province of BC, BC Housing, and the Canada Infrastructure Bank to build these 200 new homes. Today marks a milestone for not only this project, but for our community. This major housing development will transform the lives of the residents who will live here, at the edge of the Quw'utsun Sta'lo' (Cowichan River) which has sustained our people physically and spiritually for millennia. Chief Sulsulxumaat Cindy Daniels, Cowichan Tribes As a nation of builders, it's time to build Canada stronger. The CIB's investments in these projects will provide new, modernized wastewater infrastructure, enabling the construction of new homes for hundreds of people in the Malahat Nation and Cowichan Tribes. These important investments will unlock new opportunities for growth, economic development, and help build stronger, more prosperous communities across Vancouver Island. Hon. Gregor Robertson, Minister of Housing and Infrastructure and Minister responsible for Pacific Economic Development Canada The health of a community's water source is a clear indicator of the community's overall well-being. Today's announcement is about more than a new facility; it's about building sustainable infrastructure that will meet both the immediate and long-term needs of the community. Malahat Nation and Cowichan Tribes are moving towards a future defined by progress and strength. Hon. Mandy Gull-Masty, Minister of Indigenous Services Today's announcement shows how powerful partnerships can be. As the Member of Parliament for Esquimalt—Saanich—Sooke, I am especially proud to see projects that provide key building blocks for economic and community growth on Vancouver Island. Hon. Stephanie McLean, Secretary of State for Seniors. It's crucial that Indigenous people in B.C. have housing that reflects their needs and values. That's why we're working in partnership with First Nations, non-profits, and all levels of government to fast-track more rental homes. Through Rivers Edge, members of the Cowichan Tribes and people from the broader community will be able to find an affordable home in the community they love, close to family, friends and Elders. We'll keep working with our community and government partners to build stronger neighbourhoods with the services people count on. Hon. Ravi Kahlon, Minister of Housing and Municipal Affairs The Cowichan Valley is an extraordinary place, filled with a rich history passed down from our Hul'qumi'num ancestors. Rivers Edge will help many long-time Duncan residents and Tribes members to stay in the community, including the Elders who teach us and young adults who grew up here. Tribes members will have more opportunities to thrive on our traditional territory, and all residents will be able to stay close to family and loved ones. Debra Toporowski, MLA for Cowichan Valley Today represents the combined efforts of KDLLP, Cowichan Tribes, the Province of B.C., and the Canada Infrastructure Bank — a true testament to the power of collaboration and community. Our team of architects and engineers has delivered an inspired design that reflects the deep significance of the Cowichan River, the land, and the central role family plays in the lives of Cowichan Tribes citizens. Rivers Edge will provide much-needed housing for Cowichan Tribes and the wider Cowichan Valley, creating a positive legacy that will serve generations to come.
Yahoo
25-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Infrastructure funding to help build housing at two Vancouver Island First Nations
CIB providing $66.7 million in loans to Malahat Nation and Cowichan Tribes Disponible en français Enabling infrastructure and water and wastewater treatment to facilitate on-reserve housing and economic development Addresses community housing shortages and affordability First Canada Infrastructure Bank (CIB) projects on Vancouver Island to achieve financial close COWICHAN, BC, June 25, 2025 /CNW/ - Malahat Nation and Cowichan Tribes on Vancouver Island are receiving a combined $66.7 million in loans to enable on-reserve housing construction and business development. Funding for both projects comes from the Canada Infrastructure Bank's Indigenous Community Infrastructure Initiative (ICII). The CIB has committed more than $1 billion to date on projects for and in partnership with Indigenous communities. Malahat Nation's access to a $57.8-million loan will help fund the replacement of a 28-year-old water treatment plant that is at capacity and build a new wastewater treatment plant to replace failing septic beds. Increased water capacity will enhance emergency preparedness while the new wastewater system will better protect local ground water, the ecosystem and shellfish beds in Saanich Inlet. The CIB's investment will amplify $15.8 million in contributions from Indigenous Services Canada to further unlock the development of Malahat's primary reserve lands, located 25 kilometres northwest of Victoria, enabling new housing and economic development opportunities. Planned developments include a multi-residential project with over 200 units, a building for Thales (west coast home of Department of National Defence AJISS Program) and a battery plant. An $8.9-million loan from the CIB to a Khowutzun Development Corporation (KDC) project, in partnership with BC Housing through the Province's BC Builds program, will support enabling infrastructure for the Rivers Edge development. KDC, which is wholly owned by Cowichan Tribes, developed this on-reserve project that includes two rental buildings, commercial space, an outdoor kitchen, children's play area and community gardens. The CIB's investment unlocks the opportunity to build the 200-home development on Cowichan Tribes' reserve lands by financing new infrastructure such as site preparation, utility upgrades and connections, roads and streetscaping, and electric vehicle charging stations Rivers Edge is being celebrated as a model of collaborative partnership, overcoming challenges in securing funding from multiple sources. The project is part of Cowichan Tribes' economic development strategy through KDC and prioritizes the needs of its citizens—who will have the first right of refusal for all homes in Rivers Edge, including the 20% of homes at Rivers Edge that will be rented at below-market rates. The broader development will also generate career and training opportunities for Cowichan Tribes citizens and other First Nations through KDC initiatives such as Cowichan Contractors — a group of 100% Indigenous-owned Cowichan Tribes companies offering services like site servicing and excavation. Economic benefits generated by the project will be reinvested into the community, supporting long-term prosperity. Endorsements The CIB's two investments on Vancouver Island will help First Nations build much-needed housing to welcome off-reserve citizens home. The Malahat Nation water and wastewater project underscores the importance of speeding up development timelines for projects that have outsized positive impacts - even in small communities. Enabling infrastructure will allow the Cowichan Tribes to build much-needed housing for their citizens and the broader community. Ehren Cory, CEO, Canada Infrastructure Bank Today marks a significant step forward — not just for this project, but for the well-being of our entire community. The CIB's investment in these developments will help deliver a modern, reliable water and wastewater infrastructure. These next steps are vital in creating a brighter future for the next generations, bringing both meaningful employment and the much-needed housing our Nation deserves. Chief Gordon Harry, Malahat Nation As the largest First Nation in BC by population with more than 5,500 citizens, the need for housing for our families is acute. However, there are many complex challenges to building on-reserve housing. I commend KDLLP for the unique partnerships and collaboration they have fostered with the Province of BC, BC Housing, and the Canada Infrastructure Bank to build these 200 new homes. Today marks a milestone for not only this project, but for our community. This major housing development will transform the lives of the residents who will live here, at the edge of the Quw'utsun Sta'lo' (Cowichan River) which has sustained our people physically and spiritually for millennia. Chief Sulsulxumaat Cindy Daniels, Cowichan Tribes As a nation of builders, it's time to build Canada stronger. The CIB's investments in these projects will provide new, modernized wastewater infrastructure, enabling the construction of new homes for hundreds of people in the Malahat Nation and Cowichan Tribes. These important investments will unlock new opportunities for growth, economic development, and help build stronger, more prosperous communities across Vancouver Island. Hon. Gregor Robertson, Minister of Housing and Infrastructure and Minister responsible for Pacific Economic Development Canada The health of a community's water source is a clear indicator of the community's overall well-being. Today's announcement is about more than a new facility; it's about building sustainable infrastructure that will meet both the immediate and long-term needs of the community. Malahat Nation and Cowichan Tribes are moving towards a future defined by progress and strength. Hon. Mandy Gull-Masty, Minister of Indigenous Services Today's announcement shows how powerful partnerships can be. As the Member of Parliament for Esquimalt—Saanich—Sooke, I am especially proud to see projects that provide key building blocks for economic and community growth on Vancouver Island. Hon. Stephanie McLean, Secretary of State for Seniors. It's crucial that Indigenous people in B.C. have housing that reflects their needs and values. That's why we're working in partnership with First Nations, non-profits, and all levels of government to fast-track more rental homes. Through Rivers Edge, members of the Cowichan Tribes and people from the broader community will be able to find an affordable home in the community they love, close to family, friends and Elders. We'll keep working with our community and government partners to build stronger neighbourhoods with the services people count on. Hon. Ravi Kahlon, Minister of Housing and Municipal Affairs The Cowichan Valley is an extraordinary place, filled with a rich history passed down from our Hul'qumi'num ancestors. Rivers Edge will help many long-time Duncan residents and Tribes members to stay in the community, including the Elders who teach us and young adults who grew up here. Tribes members will have more opportunities to thrive on our traditional territory, and all residents will be able to stay close to family and loved ones. Debra Toporowski, MLA for Cowichan Valley Today represents the combined efforts of KDLLP, Cowichan Tribes, the Province of B.C., and the Canada Infrastructure Bank — a true testament to the power of collaboration and community. Our team of architects and engineers has delivered an inspired design that reflects the deep significance of the Cowichan River, the land, and the central role family plays in the lives of Cowichan Tribes citizens. Rivers Edge will provide much-needed housing for Cowichan Tribes and the wider Cowichan Valley, creating a positive legacy that will serve generations to come. Renée Olson, CEO, Khowutzun Development Corporation SOURCE Canada Infrastructure Bank View original content to download multimedia:
Cision Canada
22-05-2025
- Business
- Cision Canada
Clean Energy Partnership Advances Indigenous Ownership in 19.8 MW Duchess Solar Français
Financing and support from CIB, AIOC, Selkirk Advisory and Equitable Life More than 100 jobs created during construction, others to support operations Cold Lake First Nations ownership supported by CIB's Indigenous Equity Initiative AIOC's first loan guarantee backstop of a renewable energy project COUNTY OF NEWELL, AB, May 22, 2025 /CNW/ - The Canada Infrastructure Bank (CIB), Alberta Indigenous Opportunities Corporation (AIOC), Selkirk Advisory Group Inc. (Selkirk) and Equitable Life of Canada (Equitable Life) are partnering to support Duchess Solar, a 19.8-megawatt solar facility being constructed in Duchess, Alberta, with a combined $48.1 million in financing. Cold Lake First Nations (CLFN) will hold a majority ownership in the project, developed in partnership with Elemental Energy, with financing from two sources: (1) a $21 million Indigenous Community Infrastructure Initiative loan and a $5.2 million Indigenous Equity Investment loan from the CIB and (2) a $21 million project finance loan substantially guaranteed by AIOC, funded by Equitable Life and arranged by Selkirk. Power produced by 49,700 solar photovoltaic panels will supply approximately 7,000 households with reliable, lower-cost electricity and strengthen Alberta's energy grid. The project will also generate more than 100 jobs during construction, with full-time roles to support long-term operations and maintenance. The CIB's long-term financing, together with Equitable Life's financing supported by an AIOC loan guarantee strengthens CLFN's capacity to take on a majority ownership role. This partnership is expected to result in long-term revenue generation for Cold Lake First Nations that can be reinvested back into the community to support economic and community development opportunities. To date, the CIB has invested more than $1 billion with Indigenous communities across 28 projects. The CIB collaborates with First Nations, Métis and Inuit communities on new projects in partnership with, and for the benefit of Indigenous communities across Canada. AIOC has $3 billion in capacity to facilitate Indigenous investments into major infrastructure projects in the natural resources, agriculture, transportation, telecommunications and tourism industries and plays a vital role in supporting Indigenous-led ownership of transformative infrastructure projects like Duchess Solar. Endorsements Duchess Solar is a great example of how flexible and innovative financing partnerships can drive success for Indigenous-led infrastructure projects. With the CIB's loan paired with private capital and a provincial loan guarantee, Cold Lake First Nations will benefit from meaningful, long lasting and direct economic benefits for future generations. Ehren Cory, CEO, Canada Infrastructure Bank As a nation of builders, it's time to build Canada stronger. We are building the strongest economy in the G7, but this can't happen without the full participation of Indigenous peoples. The new Duchess Solar facility will supply 7,000 homes in the region with clean, renewable energy. With the help of the CIB's project financing and Indigenous Equity loans, Cold Lake First Nations will retain majority ownership in the project, marking another important step forward in advancing economic reconciliation for Indigenous Peoples across Canada. Hon. Gregor Robertson, Minister of Housing and Infrastructure and Minister responsible for Pacific Economic Development Canada Cold Lake First Nations is honoured and proud to announce Duchess Solar with our partner Elemental Energy. Building from our vision of expanding our portfolio in clean energy, we look forward to development and operations of a project that will benefit our community for decades. We would like to acknowledge the commitment and creativity of our financial partners, the CIB, AIOC, Selkirk and Equitable Life who have made the financial resources possible for CLFN to hold a majority ownership position. We are grateful for the opportunity to work alongside our partners to deliver an innovative commercial structure. Chief Kelsey Jacko, Łouwe Chok 'Touwe, Cold Lake First Nations Elemental is very excited to complete this creative financing structure to support our growing partnership with Cold Lake First Nations as we look to collaborate to bring additional renewable energy projects to Alberta. We are grateful for the partnership with CLFN and the support of all the financial partners involved who worked diligently and collaboratively to get this across the line. Jamie Houssian, Principal, Elemental Energy This project represents a powerful example of economic reconciliation in action. Through this Alberta Indigenous Opportunities Corporation loan guarantee, we're proud to help Cold Lake First Nations build generational wealth while contributing to Alberta's transition to a more sustainable and reliable power grid — one that includes renewables paired with natural gas. This is what it looks like when Indigenous communities are in the driver's seat of their own economic futures. Chana Martineau, CEO, AIOC This new solar farm is a shining example of the diverse and forward-looking projects supported by the Alberta Indigenous Opportunities Corporation. By empowering Indigenous communities to invest in Alberta's energy future—whether in traditional or renewable sectors—we're supporting local economies, creating jobs and building a stronger, more inclusive economy for generations to come. Hon. Rajan Sawhney, Minister of Indigenous Relations, Government of Alberta Selkirk greatly appreciates the opportunity to support Cold Lake First Nations and Elemental Energy with project financing for this important project, as well as the partnership of Equitable Life, AIOC and the CIB. This project is a great example of what can happen with creativity and collaboration. Selkirk is proud to have participated in such a meaningful way. We look forward to continuing to support the partners through construction and into operations, and in particular, to seeing the impactful economic benefits this project will generate for Cold Lake First Nations community for years to come. Daniel Doubilet, Managing Partner, Selkirk Equitable is proud to play a role in this project which serves to provide additional clean energy to Alberta's grid and economic benefits to Cold Lake First Nations for years to come. It was great to collaborate with Cold Lake First Nations and Elemental Energy and to partner with Selkirk, the CIB and AIOC.
Yahoo
22-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Clean Energy Partnership Advances Indigenous Ownership in 19.8 MW Duchess Solar
Financing and support from CIB, AIOC, Selkirk Advisory and Equitable Life Disponible en français More than 100 jobs created during construction, others to support operations Cold Lake First Nations ownership supported by CIB's Indigenous Equity Initiative AIOC's first loan guarantee backstop of a renewable energy project COUNTY OF NEWELL, AB, May 22, 2025 /CNW/ - The Canada Infrastructure Bank (CIB), Alberta Indigenous Opportunities Corporation (AIOC), Selkirk Advisory Group Inc. (Selkirk) and Equitable Life of Canada (Equitable Life) are partnering to support Duchess Solar, a 19.8-megawatt solar facility being constructed in Duchess, Alberta, with a combined $48.1 million in financing. Cold Lake First Nations (CLFN) will hold a majority ownership in the project, developed in partnership with Elemental Energy, with financing from two sources: (1) a $21 million Indigenous Community Infrastructure Initiative loan and a $5.2 million Indigenous Equity Investment loan from the CIB and (2) a $21 million project finance loan substantially guaranteed by AIOC, funded by Equitable Life and arranged by Selkirk. Power produced by 49,700 solar photovoltaic panels will supply approximately 7,000 households with reliable, lower-cost electricity and strengthen Alberta's energy grid. The project will also generate more than 100 jobs during construction, with full-time roles to support long-term operations and maintenance. The CIB's long-term financing, together with Equitable Life's financing supported by an AIOC loan guarantee strengthens CLFN's capacity to take on a majority ownership role. This partnership is expected to result in long-term revenue generation for Cold Lake First Nations that can be reinvested back into the community to support economic and community development opportunities. To date, the CIB has invested more than $1 billion with Indigenous communities across 28 projects. The CIB collaborates with First Nations, Métis and Inuit communities on new projects in partnership with, and for the benefit of Indigenous communities across Canada. AIOC has $3 billion in capacity to facilitate Indigenous investments into major infrastructure projects in the natural resources, agriculture, transportation, telecommunications and tourism industries and plays a vital role in supporting Indigenous-led ownership of transformative infrastructure projects like Duchess Solar. Endorsements Duchess Solar is a great example of how flexible and innovative financing partnerships can drive success for Indigenous-led infrastructure projects. With the CIB's loan paired with private capital and a provincial loan guarantee, Cold Lake First Nations will benefit from meaningful, long lasting and direct economic benefits for future Cory, CEO, Canada Infrastructure Bank As a nation of builders, it's time to build Canada stronger. We are building the strongest economy in the G7, but this can't happen without the full participation of Indigenous peoples. The new Duchess Solar facility will supply 7,000 homes in the region with clean, renewable energy. With the help of the CIB's project financing and Indigenous Equity loans, Cold Lake First Nations will retain majority ownership in the project, marking another important step forward in advancing economic reconciliation for Indigenous Peoples across Gregor Robertson, Minister of Housing and Infrastructure and Minister responsible for Pacific Economic Development Canada Cold Lake First Nations is honoured and proud to announce Duchess Solar with our partner Elemental Energy. Building from our vision of expanding our portfolio in clean energy, we look forward to development and operations of a project that will benefit our community for decades. We would like to acknowledge the commitment and creativity of our financial partners, the CIB, AIOC, Selkirk and Equitable Life who have made the financial resources possible for CLFN to hold a majority ownership position. We are grateful for the opportunity to work alongside our partners to deliver an innovative commercial structure. Chief Kelsey Jacko, Łouwe Chok 'Touwe, Cold Lake First Nations Elemental is very excited to complete this creative financing structure to support our growing partnership with Cold Lake First Nations as we look to collaborate to bring additional renewable energy projects to Alberta. We are grateful for the partnership with CLFN and the support of all the financial partners involved who worked diligently and collaboratively to get this across the Houssian, Principal, Elemental Energy This project represents a powerful example of economic reconciliation in action. Through this Alberta Indigenous Opportunities Corporation loan guarantee, we're proud to help Cold Lake First Nations build generational wealth while contributing to Alberta's transition to a more sustainable and reliable power grid — one that includes renewables paired with natural gas. This is what it looks like when Indigenous communities are in the driver's seat of their own economic Martineau, CEO, AIOC This new solar farm is a shining example of the diverse and forward-looking projects supported by the Alberta Indigenous Opportunities Corporation. By empowering Indigenous communities to invest in Alberta's energy future—whether in traditional or renewable sectors—we're supporting local economies, creating jobs and building a stronger, more inclusive economy for generations to Rajan Sawhney, Minister of Indigenous Relations, Government of Alberta Selkirk greatly appreciates the opportunity to support Cold Lake First Nations and Elemental Energy with project financing for this important project, as well as the partnership of Equitable Life, AIOC and the CIB. This project is a great example of what can happen with creativity and collaboration. Selkirk is proud to have participated in such a meaningful way. We look forward to continuing to support the partners through construction and into operations, and in particular, to seeing the impactful economic benefits this project will generate for Cold Lake First Nations community for years to Doubilet, Managing Partner, Selkirk Equitable is proud to play a role in this project which serves to provide additional clean energy to Alberta's grid and economic benefits to Cold Lake First Nations for years to come. It was great to collaborate with Cold Lake First Nations and Elemental Energy and to partner with Selkirk, the CIB and Proper, Executive Vice-President, Investments, Equitable Life Learn More: Canada Infrastructure BankCold Lake First NationsElemental EnergyAlberta Indigenous Opportunities CorporationSelkirk Advisory GroupThe Equitable Life Insurance Company SOURCE Canada Infrastructure Bank View original content to download multimedia: Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
