Greenstone Transmission Line
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Area First Nations taking the Lead on Greenstone Transmission Line
Thunder Bay, ON- September 29th, 2016- Eight First Nations have aligned as a group to pursue the development of a new high voltage transmission line into Greenstone. Aroland First Nation, Animbiigoo Zaagi’igan Anishinaabek, Bingwi Neyaashi Anishinaabek, Biinjitiwaabik Zaaging Anishinaabek, Ginoogaming First Nation, Long Lake #58 First Nation, Red Rock Indian Band, and Whitesand First Nation have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), establishing a working group with a vision to collectively develop the transmission line. The First Nations group has already commenced discussions with Government and industry about the need for the line that would provide significant transmission upgrades across the Greenstone region.
Today, the working group is gathering in Thunder Bay, Ontario, where Chiefs and representatives from the eight communities are discussing best practices with representatives from Wataynikaneyap Power, who are in the process of developing a transmission project north of Dryden and into the far north. The group sees Wataynikaneyap’s experience as invaluable to the Chiefs and communities developing the Greenstone Transmission Project and they hope to follow the path being led by other First Nation-led transmission projects across the Province. The participating First Nations leadership believes that the Greenstone transmission line will have significant economic impact in their collective territories and across the entire region.
“Our First Nations have collective concerns about the reliability of the current infrastructure and the potential loss of major developments and new opportunities. The new transmission line will provide stability and increase any possibility for large industrial start-ups. Our First Nations want to work with the Government to ensure that this project moves forward;” says Chief Edward Wawia of Red Rock Indian Band.
The Greenstone-Marathon Integrated Regional Resource Plan (IRRP), released by the Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO) in June of 2016, identified the electricity needs for the region over the next five years, making reference to large industrial clients that had desires to join the grid but due to the lack of current capacity would be forced to establish self-generation.
“If we don’t meet the electricity needs of these potential customers with stable infrastructure, it could mean the loss of major projects in the region and will really constrain economic growth;” says Chief Dorothy Towedo of Aroland First Nation. “With several of our communities participating in similar developments, the working group offers innovative and unique ways see the construction of this transmission line completed in a timely matter. Work we have completed to date can save a significant amount of time and funding for the Greenstone Transmission Project.”
“The Minister of Energy needs to identify the Greenstone Transmission line as a priority project. Our MOU symbolizes the First Nation route communities’ commitment to working together to pursue this much needed development. With a current unreliable system and frequent outages for communities in the region, failure to move forward with the Greenstone Transmission Project will result in significant economic loss across the north;” says Chief Theresa Nelson of Animbiigoo Zaagi’igan Anishinaabek.
“Our First Nation is one of two communities that are in the process of developing new land bases. After years of displacement, our members need to be ensured that there will be an adequate supply of power on the grid to support future growth and development;” says Chief Laura Airns of Bingwi Neyaashi Anishinaabek. “The benefits of First Nation ownership of a critical asset like this are endless. We very much look forward to making the Greenstone Transmission Project a reality.”
“This is an important step forward for our region. We applaud the area First Nations for taking the lead on developing this vital infrastructure that will help create and maintain well-paying jobs throughout the area. Greenstone looks forward to supporting the Working Group however we can in this project;” says Mayor Renald Beaulieu of Greenstone.
-30-
Contact:
Joe Donio, Development Manager
Animbiigoo Zaagi’igan Anishinaabek
P.O. Box 120
Beardmore, ON P0T 1G0
P: 807-627-4377
E: jdonio@aza.ca
