Made in Powell River

DAM GOOD: The Powell River dam (above) and the Lois Lake dam are owned by Evolugen, and generate renewable power exclusively for the Paper Excellence mill.

Power River - Evolugen by Brookfield Renewable

Evolugen by Brookfield Renewable generates a vast amount of hydroelectricity in the Powell River area and across Canada. If you stand on the bridge between Townsite and Wildwood and face the ocean, you can see one of its dams, which connects to the Powell Lake Generating Station. The other is upstream from the Eagle River Bridge, on Lois Lake; which connects to the Lois Lake Hydroelectric Generating Station and is just south of Lang Bay.

Evolugen is the company’s new identity; before that, you knew it as Brookfield Renewable, and before that, Brascan Power. The company is based in Quebec and operates 36 renewable power facilities throughout the provinces of British Columbia, Ontario and Quebec.

What’s your product?

Renewable power. Here, we own and operate two hydropower facilities, located on Lois Lake and the Powell River. Together, these dams generate 80 megawatts of capacity – the equivalent to powering 34,500 homes annually. We’re proud owners, operators and developers, leading Canada’s clean energy evolution through creative renewable energy solutions that reflect our dedication to operating sustainably and collaboratively with our communities.

Who are your customers?

Our energy is sold to Paper Excellence’s Powell River Mill.

Where did your idea come from? When?

Our Canadian heritage dates from the 1970s, with our Powell River presence beginning when we bought a portion of the local dams in 2001 (and completed the sale in 2013 by acquiring the remaining interest in Powell River Energy Inc. from Catalyst Paper). The dams have been in place since the Powell River Paper Company built them in 1910 and 1931.

What changes have you made since then?

Between 2011 and 2018, we’ve invested considerably in operational improvements, which included replacing the dam spill gates, hoists, and bridge deck. Additionally, last year within the region, we supported nearly ten local charitable organizations, including the Powell River Child, Youth and Family Services Society, Powell River Foodbank and the Powell River United Way and partnered with more than 85 local vendors.

How has your business changed since it launched?

We work in much closer partnership with Indigenous groups and all of our communities. For example, recently, in partnership with the ‘Namgis First Nation (at Alert Bay), we designed and built our Kokish Hydro Project. Our organizations worked in collaboration to ensure that the Kokish project represented our joint values and was environmentally, socially and financially sustainable.

The project was designed to protect the river’s

complex ecosystem, especially as it relates to the fish species that are integral to the ‘Namgis First Nation’s culture. To ensure the long-term health of adult and juvenile fish populations in the river, the project deploys some of the most innovative wildlife protection measures in North America, including specially designed screens, gates, a fish ladder and fish fence.

In addition, we regularly engage local communities, regional and provincial authorities as part of our public safety outreach programs in the areas where we operate. This engagement is crucial given the numerous recreational activities in and around our facilities that are available for the public to enjoy, including fishing, hiking and boating.

Who’s on your team? Number of people you employ?

In British Columbia, our facilities span along the Columbia, East Twin, Hystad, Kokish, Lois and Powell Rivers.

Our team of 18 highly-trained local operational employees maintain, monitor, and repair our renewable power facilities, ensuring the longevity, efficiency and safety of those facilities. Of those, 14 are employed in Powell River. They are: Barb D’Angio, Debbi Stanyer, Darcey Colonel, Paul Collings, Randy Gerhart, Bryan Lacey, Steve McNeil, Morag Morrison, Joel Gagnon, Al Hernandez, Craig Mayenburg, Laurie Beamin and Brian Pickles.

Evolugen employees inspect the Lois Lake dam.

Photo contributed