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North Shore First Nation wants hydro plant inside national park

Pic River First Nation has eyes on building a hydroelectric power station inside the boundaries of Pukaskwa National Park on Lake Superior.
Pukaskwa-Park_Cropped
Pic River First Nation has eyes on building a hydroelectric power station inside the boundaries of Pukaskwa National Park on Lake Superior.

Pic River First Nation has eyes on building a hydroelectric power station inside the boundaries of Pukaskwa National Park on Lake Superior.

The Ojibway band announced July 16 that it has submitted a proposal to the federal government for a 25- to 30-megawatt generating station at Chigamiwinigum Falls.

“We believe that projects like the Chigamiwinigum Falls project are consistent with the park mandate, and in particular, the mandate of Pukaskwa Park as a prime example of Canada’s boreal forest,” said Chief Duncan Michano in a statement.

And since Pic River didn’t sign the Robinson Superior Treaty, they’re asserting title to their traditional territory.

The First Nation said the project would the largest of its stable of energy projects, valued at more than $100 million.

Bryon LeClair, Pic River’s director of energy development, said they’re working with their partners to finish the environmental assessment “as soon as possible” to be ready to break ground for construction by 2018.

“We anticipate full park support for Pic River’s proposal,” said LeClair.