Economy

The Atlin Hydro Expansion Project would provide direct employment during construction and operations, as well as long-term dividend benefits that would be reinvested in the Atlin community. The Project would signal the evolution of the Taku Corporation into an important regional energy company with long-term capacity development and employment opportunities.

The Project would provide direct employment during construction and operations — trades, labour, heavy equipment, cooks, technicians, etc. The equivalent of an estimated 176 full-time employment positions over a 3-4-year period would be created, and another approximately 6-8 full-time employment positions for operations and maintenance over the life span of the project, including positions as hydro plant operators, transmission line operators, environmental monitor and safety officers, and management positions.

The Project would provide dividends to be reinvested back to the community and community programs, which would increase over time. Reinvestment of resource revenues reduces economic leakage in the region, the process whereby money is leaked out of the local economy. Economic leakage is common, for example, when companies from outside the area take their profits earned here and spend them or invest them elsewhere. Re-investment in the community is required by TRTFN corporations to ensure benefits accrue to the community, bringing in substantive long-term increases to direct and indirect employment, economic opportunities, and education skills and training benefits.

The Project would continue to diversify the economic base of the Atlin community, providing varied employment opportunities and room for advancement. Intangible benefits to First Nations’ health and well-being may also result over the long-term due to the influence of local ownership, economic independence and control over resources.  When members of our community benefit – e.g., through direct or indirect employment opportunities that keep people and their families here in Atlin or from the benefits of long-term investment in social programs – then we all benefit. It’s that simple!

For more on the economic benefits of both the existing and the proposed projects, we invite you to view these PDF slideshows.