Brewster Wind Project Update

Brewster Wind Project Renamed Yəyus Energy As Wei Wai Kai Nation Obtains Majority Stake In Project

A major renewable energy initiative on Vancouver Island is advancing with a new name and a strengthened emphasis on Indigenous leadership and clean power production.

Yəyus Energy—a 197.2‑megawatt wind project—is being jointly developed by Capstone Infrastructure Corporation and the Wei Wai Kum First Nation. Formerly known as the Brewster Wind Project, it sits within the traditional territory of the Ligʷiłdaxʷ peoples and is positioned to help meet the island’s growing electricity needs.

The project secured a 30‑year Electricity Purchase Agreement in December 2024 through BC Hydro’s Call for Power, ensuring long-term stability for both construction and future operations. Once operational, Yəyus Energy is projected to supply enough renewable electricity to power more than 50,000 homes across British Columbia each year.

Its new name, adopted in fall 2025, means “Always Windy” in Liq’wala, the language of the Ligʷiłdaxʷ peoples. The name reflects both the site’s natural wind conditions and the cultural importance of the region. The project’s logo was designed by Indigenous artist James Kwaksistala, selected through a community-led competition.

Wei Wai Kum First Nation leaders have called the renaming an important milestone that honours Indigenous language, culture, and stewardship in the clean energy sector. The partnership is being recognized as a strong example of how Indigenous communities and private developers can work together on major infrastructure projects.

Construction is expected to generate hundreds of jobs at peak activity, with additional long-term roles in operations and maintenance once the facility is running. The project is also anticipated to support the regional economy through local contracting and supply chain participation.

Capstone Infrastructure, a minority owner, says Yəyus Energy reflects its broader mission to expand renewable energy while advancing community‑focused development. The company operates a diverse portfolio of wind, solar, hydro, and biomass facilities across North America.

As regulatory and planning work continues, project representatives emphasize that community engagement and regular updates will remain central as Yəyus Energy moves toward the construction phase.

Yayus Project Map

More About BC Hydro's 2024 Call for Power

BC Hydro’s 2024 Call for Power was a competitive procurement initiative launched in April 2024 to bring new electricity onto the grid and meet British Columbia’s growing energy needs. It is the utility’s first major call for new power in more than 15 years and signals a substantial expansion of the province’s energy portfolio.

Key Objectives and Details

  • Target supply: About 3,000 gigawatt-hours (GWh) of new electricity annually.
  • Eligible technologies: Wind, solar, hydroelectric, biomass, and other renewable projects that satisfy provincial clean energy standards.
  • Timeline: Proposals were reviewed throughout 2024, with long-term electricity purchase agreements awarded near year‑end. The first projects could be operational as early as 2028.

Industry Response

  • Developer interest was strong, with proposals amounting to nearly three times the electricity BC Hydro aimed to procure.
  • Submissions came from regions across the province, including the Interior, North Coast, Peace Region, and Vancouver Island.

Purpose and Context

The 2024 Call for Power is designed to ensure B.C. has enough electricity to support population growth, electrification of buildings and transportation, industrial expansion, and climate commitments. It reflects rising demand as the province shifts away from fossil fuels.

Ferry Sailings Cancelled as Powerful Gusts Hit Coastal BC

Strong winds sweeping across coastal British Columbia have forced multiple ferry cancellations, disrupting travel on several major BC Ferries routes and raising the possibility of further service interruptions.

BC Ferries confirmed sailings were cancelled due to unsafe marine conditions, with gusts in the Strait of Georgia and surrounding waterways making operations hazardous. Environment Canada issued wind warnings for much of the region, cautioning that conditions could remain challenging until the weather system passes.

Routes affected include Tsawwassen–Swartz Bay, Horseshoe Bay–Departure Bay, and Tsawwassen–Duke Point—some of the busiest connections between Vancouver Island and the Lower Mainland, serving thousands of passengers daily.

The company said cancellations were made out of an abundance of caution to protect passengers, crew, and vessels. High winds can compromise maneuverability, docking, and overall safety, making ferry operations highly weather‑dependent.

Customers with reservations are being contacted directly with options to rebook or receive refunds, while walk‑on passengers are advised to expect delays and possible further cancellations. BC Ferries urged travelers to check sailing status before heading to terminals and to allow extra time for their journeys.

The operator warned that additional sailings may be cancelled if conditions do not improve. Environment Canada noted strong winds are likely to persist in some coastal areas, advising motorists and travelers to remain flexible and exercise caution.

BC Ferries said updates will be provided as the situation evolves and thanked customers for their patience as crews work to resume service safely.