2 northern Ontario First Nations partner with province to expand hydroelectric power generation
Proposed hydro dams would produce up to 430 megawatts of electricity
Two northern Ontario First Nations are partnering with the provincial government to expand hydroelectric power generation in the region with plans for two new power stations.
If approved, the two hydroelectric power stations could produce up to 430 megawatts of electricity – enough to power 430,000 homes.
The proposal includes a generating station at Nine Mile Rapids on the Abitibi River which could generate around 256 megawatts of electricity and the proposed Grand Rapids generating station on the Moose River, which could generate about 174 megawatts of electricity.
If built, the province says they would be the first "net-new" hydroelectric stations in Ontario in 10 years.
"As energy demand rises in Ontario, especially in the north, our government is taking action by supporting early development work for the province's first expansion of large-scale hydroelectricity in decades," said Stephen Lecce, Ontario's minister of Energy and Mines, in a news release.
Taykwa Tagamou Nation and Moose Cree First Nation will plan the two projects with the provincial government and Ontario Power Generation.
"This co-planning process represents a new approach—one that puts First Nations in the driver's seat from the beginning," said Taykwa Tagamou Nation Chief Bruce Archibald, in a news release.
"True economic reconciliation means that we are not just participating in development. We're shaping it, on our terms, for the benefit of our communities while supporting the province's work to meet rising demand for electricity."
At a press conference in Timmins, Lecce said northern Ontario needs 80 per cent more power to meet future demand.
The proposed hydroelectric projects would be near the Ring of Fire mineral deposit, which is rich in critical minerals including chromite, nickel, copper, platinum group elements, gold and zinc.
Moose Cree First Nation Chief Peter Wesley said in a news release that the projects would bring in jobs and long-term revenue for his community.