Investments

We invest to generate a predictable, sustainable and appreciating income stream. We then use this money to deliver grants and programs in the Columbia Basin region, invest in local businesses and real estate and fund our corporate operating expenses.

In 1995, the Province of British Columbia endowed the Trust with $321 million: $276 million to invest in regional hydropower facilities and $45 million to invest otherwise. By carefully investing this money, we have increased the book value of our assets to $2.2 billion, generating an annual return of about $90 million. These dollars are re-invested in local communities, supporting the efforts of the people in the Columbia Basin.

What We Invest In

Hydropower Facilities

Private Placements

Market Securities

How We Manage Our Investments

Our Statement of Investment Policies and Procedures governs how we manage our investments. It includes seven beliefs:

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. We are a prudent investor and make sure that the potential returns we receive reflect the amount of risk we assume.
  5. We recognize that managing risk is just as important as generating returns.
  6. Though we invest much of our money in hydropower facilities, we try to invest in a variety of opportunities.
  7. We value partnerships and, when possible, invest in co-operation with other organizations.