Oceanic Wind Energy and Coast Tsimshian Enterprises (CTE) have received an Investigative Use Permit (IUP) for the initial phase of a proposed offshore wind project in Hecate Strait, British Columbia, marking a key step toward what could become Canada’s first offshore wind farm.
The permit allows the partnership to begin environmental and technical studies for a 600–700 megawatt (MW) offshore wind facility planned west of Stephens Island. CTE is a 50:50 joint venture between the Metlakatla and Lax Kw’alaams First Nations.
“This agreement brings Oceanic and CTE a major step closer to realising Canada’s first offshore wind project,” said Mike O’Connor, president of Oceanic Wind Energy.
The Hecate Strait site features Class 7 wind resources, with average annual wind speeds exceeding 10 metres per second and a winter capacity factor above 65%, the partners said. These conditions are among the strongest for offshore wind globally.
According to the developers, the project could help meet rising electricity demand in northwest British Columbia, particularly for the Port of Prince Rupert and other expanding industrial and resource sectors.
“This first phase will help power the region’s growth while creating long-term economic and environmental benefits,” said Ryan Leighton, director of Coast Tsimshian Enterprises.
The project is also expected to support federal and provincial climate targets by contributing to emissions reductions and enhancing the province’s portfolio of low-cost renewable energy sources.
Further permitting and regulatory steps will follow as the project moves into its assessment and design stages.
