Hydro project receives green light from First Nation

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Now that they have voted ‘yes’, there is still plenty of work to be done before construction begins. 

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While the project has received federal support, provincial environmental approval is still needed, and the partnership agreement with Sask Power needs to be finalized.

“Legal councils will now be continuing to refine that document and it will be presented to both the Elizabeth Falls Hydro Board and to Sask Power board for final approval probably sometime in the late winter or early spring,” said Ted De Jong, CEO of the Elizabeth Falls Hydro-electric Corporation.

De Jong said the earliest construction could begin is the fall of 2016, with completion in 2020.

The project would be the first hydro project in Saskatchewan built entirely on First Nations land, and is expected to bring $1.3 billion in revenue to the community over its 90 year life span.

During the construction phase, the project would create over 200 jobs.

“There’s going be quite a bit of construction training and in terms of construction there will be bridges, road access, mine site development and camp site development,” said Robillard.

He said three band members who have already been working with Sask Power are in their second year of an electrical engineering course.

“The project has been development for well over 20 years, and is really the result of a lot of hard work by a lot of people in the community,” said De Jong.

Black Lake First Nation signed a partnership agreement with Sask Power in 2013.

The framework agreement established a 30 per cent interest for Black Lake and will provide a cash stream for the band for the next 90 years.

The vote held Wednesday night was not legally binding, when it comes to the project moving forward, but was requested by the band members.

“I would like to thank everyone who came out to vote, as well as the prior Chiefs and Council who served the community of Black Lake and brought this project to where it is today,” said Robillard.

nmaxwell@panow.com

On Twitter: @nigelmaxwell