Pic Mobert developing hydro project

Pic Mobert is looking forward to construction of the Gitchi Animki (Big Thunder) Hydroelectric Project in the community’s traditional territory on the White River.
“It’s going to be a big boost to a lot of things that we lack in our community,” said Wayne Sabourin, Pic Mobert’s lead band councillor for energy projects. “It took a long time to get to where we are today, but I think the rewards are going to be very beneficial towards our First Nation.”
The Robinson Superior community is looking for construction of the project to begin this fall with completion after 18-24 months of construction. The project is a joint venture with White River Hydro Limited Partnership, a wholly owned subsidiary of Regional Power Inc.
“It’s a long process,” Sabourin said, noting that community members are waiting for construction to begin. “The majority of the population can’t wait to see this (project) happen.”
Up to 150 construction jobs are expected at peak times during the construction of the project, but there will likely be only one or two operator jobs at the hydroelectric generation facility.
“There is employment directly with contractors and through our development corporation, we have a number of joint ventures that have secured subcontract opportunities, everything from clearing trees to running the construction camp,” said Norman Jaehrling, joint venture liaison with Pic Mobert Hydro Power Joint Venture. “We’re probably going to be in a situation where there’s more jobs than people. Whoever wants to work, and is able to, will work.”
The project involves two developments: a new dam to replace the existing old dam on White Lake and a hydroelectric generation facility. Once completed, the project will produce about 95 GWh of electricity annually, enough to power about 12,000 homes.
The project already has 40-year power purchase agreements with the Ontario Power Authority under its Feed In Tariff Program.
Pic Mobert received a $500,000 investment from FedNor’s Northern Ontario Development Program on July 9 to support the next phase of the detailed engineering design for the project.
“With this FedNor support, we will have an unprecedented opportunity to develop a facility whose dividends will help support our members for the next 100 years or more,” Sabourin said. “This is a great day for our community.”
Once the hydroelectric generation facility is operational, revenue will offset the facility’s operating costs and provide funds to the community.
“Today’s announcement will enable Pic Mobert First Nation to tap into resource sector opportunities, helping to diversify the regional economy and enabling the First Nation community to become more self sustaining,” said Tony Clement, minister for FedNor. “This project is an example of how our government is helping Aboriginal communities grow and prosper.”
The project has also received up to $1 million in funding by the Ontario Power Authority Aboriginal Renewable Energy Fund and $200,000 from the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation.