21 August 2009
Mayo, Yukon
Prime Minister Stephen Harper today toured Yukon's Mayo B hydro generation facility. This important source of renewable hydro-electric power for Canada's North is undergoing a major enhancement and upgrade as part of Canada's Economic Action Plan.
"The Mayo B facility is a perfect example of how Canada is well positioned to be a clean energy superpower for decades to come," said the Prime Minister, who was joined by Yukon Premier Dennis Fentie. "By investing in upgrades to this hydro plant today, we are creating jobs, protecting the environment and ensuring a more reliable supply of electricity for families and businesses in Canada's North."
Upgrades to the Mayo facility will include building a new powerhouse downstream from the existing one. The project also includes construction of Phase 2 of the Carmacks-Stewart transmission line which will complete the connection of Yukon's two grid systems.
Thanks to these upgrades, the Mayo B facility is expected to double its production of renewable power. This will reduce Yukon's dependency on diesel fuel for electricity and cut green house gas emissions by 50 per cent from current levels.
Federal funding will be provided through the $1 billion Green Infrastructure Fund contained in Canada's Economic Action Plan. The Fund supports sustainable energy generation and transmission, along with municipal wastewater and solid waste management infrastructure. The Government is working with provinces, territories and other stakeholders to identify and approve more projects under this Fund.
