Begetikong Anishnabe submit plans for hydro development in Pukaskwa Park

OJIBWAYS OF PIC RIVER FIRST NATION  (16 July 2014) – The Begetikong Anishnabe (Ojibways of Pic River First Nation) submitted to the federal government, a proposal for development of hydro potential at Chigamiwinigum Falls, a site located in Pukaskwa Park.

“We believe that projects like the Chigamiwinigum Falls project are consistent with the Park mandate, and in particular, with the mandate of Pukaskwa Park as an prime example of Canada’s boreal forests. Hydro electric development and the retention of the forest ecology values are completely compatible objectives.” said Chief Duncan Michano. “We continue to assert our Aboriginal title to the traditional territory of the Begetikong Anishnabe, because we did not sign the Robinson Superior Treaty”, he continued.

If constructed, the Chigamiwinigum site will have an installed capacity of 25-30 MW of electricity and produce enough power to meet the needs of 12,500 homes annually. Added to the Pic River Energy portfolio, this would push the community’s supply of electricity to approximately 33,000 Ontario homes. The project would cost in excess of a $100.0 million dollars and be Pic River’s largest project to date.

“We are excited by this project as it represents new investment in green renewable energy.” added Byron LeClair, Director of Energy Project Development. “We will work with our partners to complete the environmental assessment as soon as possible, and look forward to new construction taking place in 2018.”

Parks Canada already hosts numerous hydro electric facilities. “The Trent Severn National Park has 26 hydro power stations in Ontario, out west, Banff National Park has the Cascade Falls Generating Station, and Jasper plays host to the Astoria Falls Generating Facility. We anticipate full Park support for Pic River’s proposal.” stated LeClair.

Located on the shores of Lake Superior, the Ojibways of the Pic River First has established significant achievements in economic development with vested interests in the renewable energy sector. They have also taken a pro-active approach in the planning and development of energy projects located within their traditional territory