The signing of an agreement to explore the development potential of a wind farm along the north shore of Lake Superior is being hailed as a success by the Pays Plat First Nation.
Pays Plat First Nation reserve is located near Schreiber in the northwest, and is home to about 174 Aboriginal people, while an additional 87 band members live off the reserve.
The agreement was formed in partnership with Ventus Energy Inc., a Toronto-based wind developer that will install a meteorological tower at the site location on Pays Plat First Nation reserve to assess wind resources, environmental impact, cost and local implications.
Should the area prove to be viable wind source it will bring positive economic spinoffs to the municipality and the region, says Chief Raymond Goodchild.
“(Ventus’) wind expertise and capital will definitely help us to determine the feasibility of a wind farm development on our land and the positive economic impact that could result for our community,” Goodchild says.
A positive outcome from the feasibility study between Ventus Energy Inc. and Pays Plat First Nation will mark the development of one of the first wind farm projects of its kind in northwestern Ontario.
