Investments
Investments Team
Left to right: Stephanie Horn, Mackenzie Miles, Jon Beaulac and Alexandra Trenholm.
The goal of our investments is to generate a predictable, sustainable and appreciating income stream to fund grants and programs, and corporate operating expenses, while reinvesting in Basin communities.
To achieve this, we invest in hydropower facilities, provide loans to Basin-based businesses, and acquire commercial property to lease to Basin-based businesses. To balance our portfolio, we invest in professionally managed market securities including short-term deposits, equities and bonds.
Commercial Lending
We lend directly to businesses in the Columbia Basin to help them:
- Grow through succession, expansion or acquisition
- Finance commercial mortgages, equipment or construction projects.
Our business-to-business focus and local expertise mean investment decisions are made right here in the Basin. Revenue generated from these loans supports the Trust’s grants and initiatives.
Commercial Real Estate
The Trust acquires, owns and manages commercial properties in Basin communities, leasing space to local businesses.
Contact us if you are:
- An established business owner looking to grow your business.
- An aspiring entrepreneur seeking to acquire an existing business.
- A commercial property owner interested in selling.
More about us
Our History
In 1995, the Province of British Columbia endowed the Trust with $321 million: $276 million for regional hydropower and $45 million for other investments. Today, careful management has increased our assets to $2.2 billion, generating about $90 million annually. These dollars are reinvested locally, supporting the people and communities of the Columbia Basin.
Our Investment Beliefs
Our Statement of Investment Policies and Procedures governs how we manage our investments. It includes seven beliefs:
- We value partnerships and, when possible, invest in co-operation with other organizations.
- We believe that future generations should benefit from the same level of support as current ones. That’s why we invest and spend in a way that considers the potential effects of inflation.
- Our priority is to invest in the Basin. This is a small region, however, so we also invest some of our money in market securities.
- We choose investments that adhere to high ethical and environmental standards and display strong corporate governance. These types of investments also perform well and are profitable.
- We are a prudent investor and make sure that the potential returns we receive reflect the amount of risk we assume.
- We recognize that managing risk is just as important as generating returns.
- Though we invest much of our money in hydropower facilities, we try to invest in a variety of opportunities.
Hydropower Facility Investments
The Trust, in partnership with Columbia Power Corporation, co-owns four hydropower facilities that deliver renewable energy to British Columbia. This 50/50 ownership represents a long-term investment in sustainable energy generation and regional economic stability, ensuring that half of the revenues from these assets are reinvested directly back into Basin communities. Through this partnership, the Trust supports clean energy goals while enhancing local benefits and contributing to a resilient, sustainable future for the region.
 | Brilliant Dam Located approximately eight kilometres from Castlegar on the Kootenay River, the Brilliant Dam was bought from Teck (formerly Cominco) for $130 million and invested $100 million in improvements to extend its life and increase its capacity. It generates enough power to supply 100,000 homes. |
 | Arrow Lakes Generating Station Located 400 metres downstream from existing Hugh Keenleyside Dam on Arrow Lakes Reservoir near Castlegar, this $300-million project makes use of water that would otherwise be spilled. It generates enough power to supply 80,000 homes. |
 | Brilliant Expansion Located on the east bank of the Kootenay River downstream from Brilliant Dam, this $245-million project makes use of water that would otherwise be spilled. It generates enough power to supply 55,000 homes. |
 | Waneta Expansion Located immediately downstream of Waneta Dam on Pend d’Oreille River near Trail, this $900-million expansion was built in partnership with Fortis Inc. We purchased Fortis’ interest in the project in 2019. It generates enough power to supply 65,000 homes. |
