2026 SPRING TOUR
The Nilhts’i Ecoener Wind Project Team 2026 SPRING Tour occurred over April 22 -26 2026 and included meetings in Prince George, an Open House in Hixon, more meetings and project update presentations in Prince George and then two-days at the Quesnel Trade Show where team members spoke to over 400 people about the wind project to be built 15 km east of Hixon. When complete in 2030, the project will generate enough electricity to power 47,500 homes which is equivalent to the number of homes in Prince George and Quesnel. One thing was clear to the project team following completion of the 2026 SPRING Tour: There is a lot of genuine interest in the project and support from people in the project area.
HIXON OPEN HOUSE
The Nilhts’i Ecoener Wind Project team hosted an Open House in Hixon on April 23rd. The project team considers Hixon the home community for the project as it will be built 15 km east of the community located about half-way between Prince George and Quesnel. People attending the Open House viewed 15 storyboards that describe the wind project, where turbines will be located and how the project team proposes to construct the project beginning in 2028. Everyone attending appreciated project team members answering a variety of questions focused on environmental impacts, transport of turbine sections, and noise. People attending expressed appreciation to project team members for hosting the event and they look forward to the project proceeding.
A bonus for people attending the Hixon Open House was the opportunity to participate in an interactive display titled ‘Capture the Wind’. The display allowed visitors to build a model wind turbine capable of generating electricity. They chose between large, medium or small blades for their model turbine to determine which blade size generated the most electricity.
Ryan Gander from Relay Education, a Canadian Charity delivering hands-on environmental education then turned on a small fan to turn the turbine and measured the electricity output. People were surprised to learn that larger is not always best for generating electricity.
Prior to attending the Open House Ryan conducted two workshops for students attending Hixon Elementary School. A special ‘Renewable Energy Day’ for the community which will be home for the Nilhts’i Ecoener Wind Project!
QUESNEL TRADE SHOW
Project Manager Dan Visser and Communications Advisor Kevin Brown also attended the Quesnel Trade Show April 25-26 on behalf of the project team. Over 400 people stopped at the Nilhts’i Ecoener booth to learn more about the project and ask a variety of questions. Many had not heard about the project and were pleased to have the opportunity to learn more about where, when, and how much power the Project will create.
The majority of those stopping by our booth were glad the project is proceeding and support more renewable energy development in BC.
Feedback from both the Hixon Open House and Quesnel Trade Show will support the project team with as it prepares permit applications for submission this summer to the BC Government. The project team hopes to receive permit approvals before Summer 2027.
