Eight of the region’s First Nations have joined together to develop a new high-voltage transmission line into Greenstone.
Whitesand First Nation, Long Lake #58 First Nation, Biinjitiwaabik Zaaging Anishinaabek, Ginoogaming First Nation, Aroland First Nation, Animbiigo Zaagi’igan Anishinaabek, Bingwi Neyaashi Anishinabek, and Red Rock Indian Band are forming the working group to pursue the project.
The group says the line would provide reliable power, paving the way for new industrial projects.
Red Rock Indian Band Chief Edward Wawia says the project would be owned by the First Nations, providing income and long-term jobs. He adds that without a transmission line like this one, there simply isn’t enough power to feed major industrial developments. The prospect of new and reliable infrastructure means hope for economic developments in the region.
The Mayor of Greenstone says having that stable source of electricity would offer more than economic benefits– Renald Beaulieu estimates his community has had eight power outages in as many months. A recent one lasted nearly 24 hours, he adds, raising concerns about safety as we approach the winter months.
Jordan Hatton is the Director of Economic Development with Bingwi Neyaashi Anishinabek. He says one thing they want from the province going forward is for the transmission line to be made a priority project. The project, and the group itself, is still in the early stages, but talks have already begun with the provincial government.
