Residents of the Northwest Territories benefit from investment in two new power plants and an upgraded hydroelectric facility
News release
Yellowknife, Northwest Territories, August 30, 2019 — Investing in rural and northern energy infrastructure helps grow local economies, build stronger, more inclusive communities, and provides safer, cleaner sources of energy for Northerners.
Residents of Fort Smith, Hay River, K’atl’odeeche First Nation, Fort Resolution, Enterprise , Fort Simpson, and Lutsel K’e will benefit from upgrades to three area power facilities, which will provide new or upgraded sources of energy for the communities. Today, the Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities, and the Honourable Wally Schumann, Northwest Territories Minister of Infrastructure and Minister of Industry, Tourism and Investment, announced funding for three projects to improve power generation in the territory.
The first project is the Taltson Hydroelectric Facility, which is undergoing a major overhaul to modernize its facility including upgrading various hydro, mechanical, and electrical components. This project will increase the reliability of the Taltson Hydroelectric facility, helping to avoid unplanned power outages. This project is separate from the project planning and Indigenous consultation work announced on January 23, 2019.
The second project is the Fort Simpson Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) Power Generation project, which will displace diesel usage in the community by installing a new LNG power plant. The project will result in a cleaner and greener community by providing a more efficient and reliable energy source.
The third project is a New Diesel Power Plant Facility in Lutsel K’e. This power plant will replace the current diesel power plant, which is nearing the end of its lifespan, with a newer power plant located away from the community centre. The project will help address reliability, and energy security issues in the area.
Across the three projects, the Government of Canada is contributing more than $37.8 million, with the Northwest Territories Power Corporation contributing more than $12.6 million. The projects are being funded through the Green Infrastructure stream and the Arctic Energy Fund under the Government of Canada’s Investing in Canada Infrastructure Plan, which supports the transition to a low carbon economy and provides more efficient and reliable energy in the North.
Quotes
“Infrastructure is the foundation of strong and resilient communities. The construction of two power plants and upgrade of an existing power plant will provide their communities with efficient and reliable sources of energy, safeguarding the environment and well-being of northerners for years to come.”
François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities
“Northerners depend on a secure, affordable and sustainable energy supply to power their homes, industries and businesses. Investing in the Fort Simpson Liquefied Natural Gas Project, the Lutsel K’e Diesel Power Plant Project as well as the Taltson Hydroelectric Overhaul Project will support the Vision as set out in the GNWT’s 2030 Energy Strategy for a secure, affordable and sustainable energy system.”
Wally Schumann, Minister of Infrastructure
Quick facts
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Through the Investing in Canada infrastructure plan, the Government of Canada is investing more than $180 billion over 12 years in public transit projects, green infrastructure, social infrastructure, trade and transportation routes, and Canada’s rural and northern communities.
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$2 billion of this funding is supporting infrastructure projects that meet the unique needs of rural and northern communities like facilities to support food security, local access roads and enhanced broadband connectivity. In addition, $400 million is being delivered through the Arctic Energy Fund to advance energy security in the territories.
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$4 billion of this funding is supporting infrastructure projects in Indigenous communities.
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Funding for the construction of these projects is conditional and will only be provided once Canada is satisfied that the obligation to consult with Indigenous groups is met.
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Contacts
Ann-Clara Vaillancourt
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Infrastructure and Communities
613-697-3778
ann-clara.vaillancourt@canada.ca
Department of Infrastructure Communications
Government of the Northwest Territories
867-767-9082 ext. 31046
INF_Communications@gov.nt.ca
Media Relations
Infrastructure Canada
613-960-9251
Toll free: 1-877-250-7154
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