The sniwt iʔ k̓ʷul̓mntn Wind Project (formerly Boulder Elkhart Wind) is a 94.4-megawatt wind energy project under development approximately 37 kilometres southeast of Merritt, along Highway 97C between Merritt and Kelowna. The project is being developed by Elkhart Wind GP Ltd., a partnership between Elemental Energy Renewables Inc. and Upper Nicola Band
The project would include up to 14 wind turbines, access roads, collector lines, approximately nine kilometres of 138-kilovolt transmission line, a substation, a meteorological tower and construction laydown and staging areas. The project has an Electricity Purchase Agreement with BC Hydro.
Project Proponent: Elemental Energy and the Upper Nicola Band
Dec. 2024 Project selected through BC Hydro’s 2024 Call for Power and awarded an Electricity Purchase Agreement.
May 4, 2026 BCER accepts the project application for review.
Sept. 25, 2026 BCER issues Energy Resource Activities Act permit and associated authorizations.
Primary Project Permits
Permits for natural gas pipelines, LNG facilities, renewable (wind and solar), and transmission line projects are required before construction can start. Applications go through a thorough permitting process, described in our Review Applications page. Approvals, issued under the Energy Resource Activities Act (ERAA), contain specific conditions and requirements that proponents must meet to be in compliance with BCER permits.
There are various types of permits issued by the BC Energy Regulator for major projects, throughout the different phases of design and construction. Permits that have been issued to date for a particular project can be viewed below.
