The Lower Mattagami project, a joint venture between Ontario Power Generation and the Moose Cree First Nation, involved the redevelopment of four existing hydro stations that are located 70 km north of Kapuskasing on the Mattagami River.
Creating jobs
Recently complete, ahead of schedule and on budget, the project has added 438 megawatts (MW) of clean, emission free electricity to the output of the stations, increasing the total capacity of the four generating stations to 924 MW. That’s enough electricity to power around 700,000 homes.
At peak construction 1,800 local people were employed to work on the project, including over 250 First Nation and Métis workers. Also, as part of the Amisk-oo-skow agreement, the Moose Cree First Nation own a 25 percent equity stake in the project and will share in the revenue for decades to come.
Moose Cree businesses were also awarded over $300 million worth of sub contracts over the course of the $2.6 billion project, the biggest in Northeastern Ontario for 50 years.
“The partnership between the Moose Cree First Nation and Ontario Power Generation has really helped my community, where a lot of people are employed today,” said Chief of the Moose Cree First Nation, Norman Hardisty. “It’s really turned things around for us. Each community in Canada, whether you’re First Nations or not, is trying to build an economy, and I think that’s where we’re heading.”
"Hydroelectricity’s flexibility is the backbone of our reliable electricity system.”
Powering ahead with hydroelectricity
The Lac Seul First Nation and OPG are close to celebrating the sixth anniversary of their partnership in running the Lac Seul Generating Station, which came online on Feb. 18, 2009.
The 12 MW unit, which is also known by its Ojibway name of Obishikokaang Waasiganikewigamig, meaning White Pine Narrows Generating Station, is located in Ear Falls on the English River and is capable of generating approximately 52 million kilowatt-hours of hydroelectricity each year; enough electricity to meet the demand of 5,000 homes annually.
“I am particularly proud of this partnership,” says Mike Martelli, Senior Vice President, Hydro Thermal Operations at Ontario Power Generation. “I want to thank the Lac Seul First Nation for their continuing commitment and support, which has been so instrumental in making this partnership a success.”
Clean energy, boosted economies
The pursuit of clean energy generation in Northern Ontario is good news for everybody in the region. Existing hydropower is currently the most cost effective method of generating electricity, and is responsible for providing around 25 percent of Ontario’s electricity supply. In Northern Ontario more than 80 percent of electricity is generated by hydropower.
“Hydroelectricity’s flexibility is the backbone of our reliable electricity system,” explains Paul Norris, President of Ontario Waterpower Association. “Hydroelectricity has the unique attribute of being able to provide twenty-four seven baseload generation as well as being able to respond to changes in electricity supply and demand through storage — the only renewable technology that can do that.”
But these redevelopments are about more than creating reliable, renewable energy supply. They’re also about providing economic rejuvenation to some of Ontario’s smaller communities. “New hydroelectric developments and redevelopments have been a critical source of economic stimulus for communities in the north, and, importantly, many involve partnerships with local First Nations” says Norris.
credit: www.northernontarioinfo.ca
