Environment Minister Barry Penner and Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources Minister Blair Lekstrom got a close-up view of the Bear Mountain Wind Park on August 6, 2009.

It was a pivotal moment for wind power in BC, with this renewable source of energy now joining other clean, green renewable power projects in our province. Located 16 kilometres southwest of the City of Dawson Creek, Bear Mountain is a $190-million development that was developed in a partnership between the Dawson Creek-based Peace Energy Cooperative, Victoria-based Aeolis Wind Power Corporation and Alberta-based AltaGas Income Trust (which now owns the project).

The 102 megawatt project has begun supplying power to the BC Hydro grid under a long-term contract. In an average year, it will generate enough electricity to meet the needs of 38,000 homes. Approximately 90 people were working to complete the project on the day Ministers Penner and Lekstrom visited the site.

Investments in new, clean energy projects will help diversify rural economies, create opportunities for partnerships with First Nations, and help meet our future energy requirements without generating greenhouse gases or local air pollution.