Minister Penner (left), Richard Blanchet of Innergex Renewable Energy and Global BCTV’s Brian Coxford check out construction of Fitzsimmons Creek renewable energy project. When completed, the run-of-river project will produce enough electricity to power Whistler-Blackcomb’s 38 lifts, 17 restaurants, almost 300 snowguns and on-site buildings and services year-round. This is enough power for 3,000 homes.

Fitzsimmons Creek presents ideal conditions for a small power project. There’s water tumbling down a significant vertical drop, it’s not a major fish-bearing stream and the creek is not used for recreational purposes within the project area. There will be no above-ground hydro lines. Construction began in September 2008 after six years of planning and assessments, and extensive discussions with stakeholders. The project is being developed by Fitzsimmons Creek Hydro Limited, a joint venture between Innergex Renewable Energy and Ledcor Power Group and is supported by Whistler-Blackcomb ski resort.