Description

This project will support the refinancing an existing loan to provide Barkley Project Group (Barkley) with enhanced financial flexibility as they continue to support Indigenous-owned clean energy projects. This is the Barkley's third campaign, after successfully funding $150,000 in Fueling Indigenous Clean Energy and Renewable Energy Communities to support the organization's working capital needs.  

Clean energy opportunities for Indigenous communities are growing rapidly, and the need for project management that’s built on genuine relationships and a shared vision has never been greater. That’s where Barkley Project Group comes in. With refinanced funds, they can keep building on this momentum and making a real impact.

Barkley has specialized in renewable energy and community infrastructure development for First Nations communities since 2003. Barkley has supported the implementation of well over 150 projects, advancing the deployment of hydro, solar, wind, biomass, tidal, and geothermal energy infrastructure. Through these initiatives, they've supported Indigenous communities to make significant environmental strides, reducing over 1675 tons of CO2 emissions.

Refinancing an outstanding loan will improve Barkley’s cash flow by lowering monthly payments and extending the repayment period, allowing them to take on new projects and expand operations without cash flow concerns. Additionally, a lower interest rate will reduce their overall borrowing costs, making project financing more affordable long-term. The refinanced funds will support core functions like community engagement, technical assessments, project planning, and management, helping Barkley scale both their impact and capacity.

By investing in this campaign, investors support Indigenous ownership of energy infrastructure. Barkley’s community-focused approach fosters sustainability and resilience with lasting environmental and social benefits. Chief Mariah Charleson of the Ahtaapq Creek Hydro Power Project reflects on this impact:

“When you help a small community like Hot Springs Cove or Hesquiaht First Nation, you’re actually guiding the way. This is a blueprint for other First Nations across Canada. It’s because of everyone in this room, all the different partners who believed in this positive initiative, that we are moving in the right direction. This is what true reconciliation looks like. So, I want to say klecko klecko to every single person who made this possible.” – Chief Mariah Charleson, Ahtaapq Creek Hydro Power Project

The Impact

Direct

• Develop quality, reliable, sustainable, and resilient infrastructure focusing on affordable and equitable access for all: Using a community-centric approach, Barkley supports the development of clean energy infrastructure that prioritizes affordability, sustainability and energy ownership. The projects they support generate over 52,000 MWh of clean energy annually, and they have reduced over 1675 tons of CO2 emissions.
•  Economic Growth and Employment: By expanding its project management capabilities and offering services to more clients, Barkley can further generate employment, skill development, and economic growth.
• Decouple economic growth from environmental degradation: Promotion of sustainable practices with employees and clients by deploying environmentally friendly technologies contributing to the climate transition. Across projects, they are reducing over 1675 tons of CO2 emissions.

Indirect

• Improve resilience and empowerment of communities for their development: by serving over 45 Indigenous communities in BC, Yukon, and the Northwest Territories, the investment will expand Barkley’s services within the existing client portfolio , reach more communities, and support their capacity-building efforts, fostering self-sufficiency and sustainable development. 
• Increase clean and renewable energy production and consumption: improving access to reliable and sustainable energy sources while making critical improvements through repurposing infrastructure. This contributes to community resilience, reducing dependency on diesel and improving community members' overall health and well-being by providing cleaner and healthier energy options. 
• Improve awareness and capacity to act on climate change mitigation and adaptation: a recent announcement from the B.C. government identifies the need for additional clean energy procurement of 3000 GWh per year, which represents a significant economic development opportunity for Indigenous communities, reducing reliance on fossil fuels and promoting a transition to renewable energy sources. Barkley will support Indigenous communities accessing provincial funding to advance their own clean energy initiatives. Social and environmental risk assessments and climate resilience strategies will improve awareness and capacity to act on climate change for these communities.

Contribution to the Sustainable
Development Goals

Sustainable Development Goals

Financial viability

Over the last three years, Barkley has steadily increased its market share. Barkley currently holds two loans with Goparity Canada, and they have consistently met their payment schedules on time, demonstrating strong revenue generation and financial discipline. This additional loan will be used to refinance existing debt, enhancing Barkley's financial capacity and ensuring they are well-positioned to repay the new loan.

Barkley demonstrates a strong equity ratio that surpasses industry benchmarks, indicating resilience against external shocks. The company also maintains a level of liquidity that exceeds industry standards, ensuring both short-term solvency and financial stability. With a solid level of profitability, accounting for long-term investments, financial costs, and taxes, Barkley remains well-positioned to generate sustainable returns.

Furthermore, most of Barkley’s debt obligations mature beyond 12 months, which positively contributes to their short-term solvency and profitability. This strategic debt structure enhances their financial health and supports the ongoing expansion of their operations and growth trajectory.

The Borrower

About Barkley Project Group Limited

Barkley Project Group (Barkley) is a dynamic project management firm in Western Canada, setting themselves apart through their commitment to supporting Indigenous communities’ sustainability visions. With a unique end-to-end approach, they lead comprehensive renewable energy and community infrastructure projects, building strong working relationships with First Nations. Their deep expertise across the clean energy value chain, long-term collaboration, and emphasis on community ownership and capacity building make them a trusted partner in driving sustainable community development and fostering resilience. 

The team

Yuho Okada

President

Ben Whyte

Director

Kass Harbottle

Project Manager

Mary Vasey

Project Manager

Stephen Rayner

Infrastructure Lead

Business Model

Updates