Canada and Northwest Territories announce joint investment in the Taltson Hydroelectricity Expansion Project

Project will expand green energy infrastructure in the Northwest Territories and provide clean power to Yellowknife

YELLOWKNIFE, Jan. 23, 2019 /CNW/ - The Government of Canada is committed to working together with provinces, territories and Indigenous communities to promote a cleaner, more reliable energy supply in rural and remote communities, reduce pollution in Canada's North and create new opportunities for social and economic development.

Today, the Honourable Dominic LeBlanc, Minister of Intergovernmental and Northern Affairs and Internal Trade, joined Northwest Territories Premier Bob McLeod and Wally Schumann, Minister of Infrastructure and Industry, Tourism and Investment to announce over $1.2 million in federal and territorial investments in the Taltson Hydroelectricity Expansion project. These investments will support Indigenous engagement and fund initial engineering work.

The proposed initial expansion of the Taltson project will deliver 60 megawatts of clean energy to the North Slave hydroelectric system, more than doubling current hydroelectricity capacity in the territory. This project will contribute to a cleaner environment and stronger economy: it will remove up to 240,000 tonnes of polluting emissions from the air each year, equivalent to about 48,000 cars, stimulate local economies, and provide employment opportunities for Indigenous people and all Northerners. Later phases of the expansion will connect the Taltson hydroelectric system with provincial electricity networks, creating a more integrated energy system that will allow for increased north-south energy trade.

Quotes

"Our government is committed to collaborating with our territorial and Indigenous partners to sustainably develop the clean power potential of Canada's North. Canada's investments in the initial stage of this major project will help to complete project studies and ensure that Indigenous peoples are engaged from the outset."

The Honourable Dominic LeBlanc, P.C., Q.C., M.P.
Minister of Intergovernmental and Northern Affairs and Internal Trade

"The Taltson Hydroelectricity Expansion Project is more than a transmission project. It represents a key element in the Government of the Northwest Territories vision for a lower carbon economy that will increase the availability of clean, renewable energy to help the NWT reduce its reliance on diesel, help lower the cost of living for NWT residents and allow the territory to meet its commitments to address climate change."

The Honourable Bob McLeod
Premier of the Northwest Territories

"The Taltson Hydroelectricity Expansion Project is part of a full service infrastructure corridor that will provide clean energy to mineral-rich regions of the NWT and help our government achieve the goals of its Energy Strategy, including lowering the cost of living and promoting renewable and alternative energy solutions. The Government of Canada's support will advance technical aspects of the project, and help establish a business framework for our Indigenous partners."

The Honourable Wally Schumann
Minister of Infrastructure and Industry, Tourism and Investment

"The Taltson Hydroelectricity Expansion project will provide access to affordable energy sources, increase energy security and lower the impact of energy consumption on the environment. Today's investment reflects the important role clean energy infrastructure plays in growing the economy and creating good quality jobs for Northerners."

The Honourable Navdeep Bains, P.C., M.P.
Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada and the Minister responsible for CanNor

"The expansion of the Taltson Hydroelectric Project is an important component of our government's efforts to transition to a clean future. Not only will this project help provide a clean source of energy in Yellowknife, it will create good jobs for Northerners and Indigenous peoples living in the area."

The Honourable Amarjeet Sohi, P.C., M.P.
Minister of Natural Resources

Quick Facts

• The Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency (CanNor) is contributing $480,000 to the project to support feasibility and engineering study work and the Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) is also investing $120,000 for this work.
• Natural Resources Canada and Crown Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada are providing $619,950 to support Indigenous engagement.
• The Taltson hydroelectric system is located approximately 64 kilometres north of Fort Smith on the Taltson River. It currently provides power to Fort Smith, Hay River, Hay River Reserve, Fort Resolution and Enterprise.
• The Taltson River system has a 200 megawatt generation potential. The initial expansion will increase capacity from 18 to 60 megawatts and link it to the Snare hydroelectric system near Yellowknife through a High Voltage Direct Current submarine cable across Great Slave Lake.

Associated Links

Taltson Hydroelectricity Expansion Project (GNWT) 
2030 Energy Strategy (GNWT)

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SOURCE Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada (CIRNAC)

Laura Gareau, Director of Communications, Office of the Honourable Dominic LeBlanc, Minister of Intergovernmental and Northern Affairs and Internal Trade, [e-mail], 613-947-7031; Media Relations, Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada, 819-934-2302, [e-mail]; Charlotte Digness, Media and Communications Coordinator, Government of the Northwest Territories, [e-mail], 867-767-9140 ext. 11092; Traolach Ó Murchú, Communications Advisor, Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency, 867-667-3202, [e-mail]