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Churchill River Diversion

 
Design and Construction
a damIn 1966, officials from Manitoba Hydro, the Canadian federal government and the Manitoba government under Premier Duff Roblin signed a formal agreement to proceed with the Lake Winnipeg and Churchill River Diversion Project. This was an ambitious and expensive ($2.6 billion) program that would first divert the flow of the Churchill River into the Nelson River. Further supported by a regulated escapement from Lake Winnipeg and associated "outlet lakes", the Nelson River would then have abundant and excessive potential for power generation upon demand.

While the Churchill River was recognized as having the capability for hydro-electric development with a discharge of 35,700 cubic feet/second, development had already begun on the Nelson River and it was seen as "economically more attractive to divert a major portion of the Churchill River flow into the Nelson River than to develop the hydro- electric energy potential of the Churchill River". The terms of the agreement allowed the government of Manitoba:

  1. to construct a hydro-electric generating station at Kettle Rapids on the Nelson River;
  2. to build a dam and related structures at the outlet of Southern Indian Lake into the Churchill River (Missi Falls) for the purpose of water storage in the lake;
  3. to excavate a channel from South Bay on Southern Indian Lake to Issett lake for the diversion of water into the RaVBurntwood River system;
  4. to build a control dam at the outlet of the Rat River on Notigi Lake;
  5. to build a dam and related structures at the outlet of Lake Winnipeg to regulate water levels of that lake; and
  6. to develop a series of control dams, diversion channels and a generating station on the outlet lakes to further enhance and control flow into the Nelson River.

The Canadian federal government would also meet the expense of building a 560 mile long transmission line to southern Manitoba.

As well, and even with the low level diversion alternative in place, over 100,000 acres (40,470 ha) of shoreline were inundated directly, and many thousands of others affected by ancillary developments.

View Manitoba Hydro Churchill River Diversion page
Download Churchill River Diversion Project Information (PDF)

Planning for Development and a Lack of Concern for Native Peoples & Culture
a damThe conception of the Churchill River Diversion project, as previously discussed, was part and parcel of a post World War II vision of economic prosperity through the exploitation of natural resources in northern Manitoba.

In criticizing the decision to proceed with development, this was best expressed by Dr. Robert Newbury, a Professor of Civil Engineering at the University of Manitoba:

Nowhere is the cost of the loss of the Churchill River calculated. Its existence, aesthetics, native community options, ecology, and unique role of creating a livable environment in an otherwise harsh land are considered to be worthless in the energy budget.

Newbury went even further, questioning the economic viability and need for the project altogether:

For almost two decades there is sufficient Hydro-electric power ready to be developed on the already-committed Nelson River without touching the Churchill. The Nelson River power potential can meet Manitoba's needs until 1991.

Consequently a study was carried out in the latter part of 1966 by the University of Manitoba (Duckworth Report) to outline the terms of reference for a major investigation of environmental, social and economic impacts of the high level diversion of the Churchill River system. Even before these studies could be initiated, however, this confidential report called for alternatives to the project, or at the least, a project redesign to minimize the effects of impoundment on Southern Indian Lake and the South Indian Lake community.

From its very conception in 1966, it was known that the high level diversion project would necessitate a relocation of the entire South Indian Lake settlement. In the 1969 public hearings, therefore, considerable opposition resulted. This opposition came from Church, environmental and university groups who were concerned with disruption of the self-sufficient South Indian Lake community, the lack of impact assessment studies and the Manitoba government's refusal to publicly release its own internal reports on development.

The new premier, Edward Schreyer, and his New Democratic government immediately reassured the South Indian Lake community and opponents of Churchill River diversion that the project would be subject to the closest scrutiny.

To appease opponents of the project, two outspoken critics, Professors Cass Booy and Robert Newbury, were appointed to the Manitoba Water Commission to review plans and to continue holding public hearings. David Cass-Beggs was also appointed as a new general manager of Manitoba Hydro. For critics of the Churchill River diversion, the change in government seemed to indicate a change in philosophy regarding the north. On September 20th, 1970, Premier Schreyer announced that Churchill River diversion would proceed and, in November, Manitoba Hydro was granted the necessary water license.

The Nelson House Indian band was not formally advised nor consulted about the impacts of the Churchill River diversion until the fall of 1973 - a full seven years after the first public announcement of Manitoba Hydro's intent. This was so in spite of the fact that this project would raise water levels in some areas as much 30 ft or more, inundating and otherwise altering reserve lands and traditional resource areas.

For full citations and further content:
downloadDownload Eva Mary Mina Linklater, Brandon University 1994 Thesis: Footprints of Wasahkacahk: The Churchill River Project and Destruction of the Nelson House Cree Historical Landscape (PDF)

View Manitoba Wildlands' Map: Proposed & Existing Hydro Dams Northern Manitoba

Source: Footprints of Wasahkacahk

Norway House Cree Call for Public Process
Norway House logoNorway House Cree Nation Chief Marcel Balfour and Council called on Manitoba to establish a "public, open and transparent process" to review the Lake Winnipeg Regulation and Churchill River Diversion Project (LWRCRDP) on October 30th, 2009.

In 1973, Manitoba Hydro began construction on the LWCRDP for a series of dams to regulate water levels on Lake Winnipeg and divert the Churchill River under an interim licence granted under the Manitoba Water Power Act. Manitoba Hydro now seeks a 50-year final licence for the Churchill River Diversion Project and a separate licensing process for the regulation of Lake Winnipeg.

The Manitoba government requested Norway House Cree Nation participate in consultation about Hydro's request for a final licence that is only for the Churchill-Nelson River Diversion.

Chief Balfour stated "In 1973 Manitoba and Canada said the flooding of our lands were justified to provide power needed of the Province. Today, Manitoba Hydro has a very different focus - maximizing export revenues. We will seek...a system-wide look at how Hydro manages and operates rivers and lakes that supply water to Hydro's dams, and the outstanding issues regarding implementation of the (Northern Flood Agreement) Treaty."

"Together with the Province's special audit to investigate whistleblower claims of export risks and mismanagement, this will provide everyone with a timely and once in a lifetime opportunity to look at Manitoba Hydro's projects and operations and see if in fact Manitoba Hydro's power is actually 'green'."

View October 30, 2009 Norway House Cree Nation press release
View Norway House Cree Nation website
View November 16, 2009 Marketwire article

Source: StreetInsider.com, Norway House Cree Nation

Comment

comment
Article: Churchill River Diversion - After Thirty Years, By Gaile Whelan Enns
Published by The Drum, February 22, 2010

During 2009 Manitoba Water Stewardship and Manitoba Hydro started to move from interim to permanent water power licences for the Churchill River Diversion (CRD). Only interim water power licences are currently in place. Manitoba Hydro has now requested that current interim water power licences be combined into one permanent licence, for 50 years.

downloadDownload Manitoba Wildlands February 22, 2010 The Drum article MWL Owl (PDF)


Winnipeg River Dams

 
Manitoba Dam The Winnipeg River flows 235 kilometers from the Norman Dam in Kenora Ontario, westward to Lake Winnipeg in Manitoba. Used by First Nations for thousands of years, the river system was important for trade, travel, harvesting, and access to settlements. The river was also a major transportation route for fur traders and early explorers.

The first hydroelectric plant on the Winnipeg River was constructed by the Winnipeg Electric Street Railway near Pinawa in 1906. This plant operated until 1951, when it was decommissioned to improve water flow to other Winnipeg River Stations.

Six hydroelectric dams bisect the Winnipeg River in Manitoba, generating a total of 583 megawatts annually. From east to west, generating stations are located at Pointe du Bois, Slave Falls, Seven Sisters Falls, McArthur Falls, Great Falls and Pine Falls. All Manitoba dams are owned and operated by Manitoba Hydro.

Point du Bois is the oldest power plant still operating on the Winnipeg River. Construction took 20 years being completed in 1926. Stretching 135 meters across the river Point du Bois has 16 turbines and a capacity of 78 megawatts.

Slave Falls was constructed between 1928 and 1948. The powerhouse is 180 meters long with a capacity of 67 megawatts.

Seven Sisters is the largest Winnipeg River producer of electricity with a capacity of 165 megawatts. The powerhouse was built from 1929 to 1931. Additional units were added between 1948 to 1952, doubling energy output. Today the powerhouse stretches 128 meters across a waterfall drop of 18.6 meters.

McArthur was completed in 1955, is the smallest and most recently constructed generating station on the Winnipeg River with a capacity of 55 megawatts.

Great Falls was developed by Winnipeg Electric Railway Company between 1914 to 1928. Now owned by Manitoba Hydro, the powerhouse is 116 meters long, has six turbines, and has a capacity of 131 megawatts.

Pine Falls is the last station along the Winnipeg River before it empties into Lake Winnipeg 13 kilometers away. It was completed in 1952, stretches 151 meters, houses six turbine generators and has a capacity of 88 megawatts.

View Manitoba Wildlands' Historic Hydro Gallery

Manitoba Hydro Imports & Exports

View Energy Manitoba's page on hydro exports

Hydro Exports to Minnesota

MB Hydro and Minnesota Power Manitoba Hydro supplies Manitobans with electricity and natural gas, while also exporting hydro electricity to neighbouring provinces and states. Manitoba Hydro has signed a 'term sheet' with Minnesota Power, an Allete Inc unit, to provide 250 megawatts of hydro power over 15 year period starting in 2020.

Minnesota Power and Manitoba Hydro currently operate under a 50 megawatt agreement expiring in 2015. Manitoba Hydro has existing contracts with Xcel Energy of Minnesota including an 'up to' 500 megawatts contract, expired and renewed in 2005. Xcel Energy currently receives 375 megawatts of power under a 10-year contract with Manitoba Hydro.

Manitoba Hydro plans include constructing Keeyask generation station on the Nelson River, about 30 kilometres west of Gillam, Manitoba. Keeyask, a $3.5 billion hydro plant will supply 620 megawatts of energy and involves substantial flooding of lands.

View January 29, 2008 Manitoba Hydro release
downloadDownload January 29, 2008 Minnesota Power release (PDF)
downloadDownload Manitoba Hydro Electric Board 56th Annual Report (PDF)
View January 29, 2008 CBC article
Sources: Manitoba Government, Manitoba Hydro, Reuters, Minnesota Power, PlanetArk, Clean Tech

Pointe du Bois - Rebuilding and Decommissioning
Oldest Dam in Manitoba

On July 31, 2007, Manitoba Hydro submitted a proposal under the Environment Act for the Pointe du Bois Modernization project.

The existing Pointe du Bois Generating Station is the oldest hydroelectric plant operating in Manitoba. It began producing power in 1911, and is one of six dams on the Winnipeg River.

According to Manitoba Hydro,

The modernization will entail a rebuild of the facilities. The rebuild will include:
  • the construction of a new powerhouse, spillway, and dam with modern operating and safety standards in a location adjacent to the existing powerhouse;
  • decommissioning of existing structures on completion of modernization;
  • an increase in capacity from 78 MW to approximately 120 MW;
  • an estimated cost of $800 million, with a 2015 planned in-service date for new facilities.
View Environmental Assessment and Licensing Branch webpage for Pointe du Bois project
downloadDownload September 2008 Environmental Assessment Scoping Document for Pointe du Bois project (PDF)
View Manitoba Hydro webpage for Pointe du Bois project

Manitoba Hydro 2007 mural Manitoba Hydro also says "Transmission Line improvements are required regardless of the modernization project. Separate approval of these improvements, as appropriate, will be requested in the future" (page 2 Draft Scoping Document). In addition, Manitoba Hydro has filed a separate proposal for Slave Falls Tramway project, which involves decommissioning of the 11 km long tramway line that provides access to Slave Fall Generating Station via Pointe du Bois and construction of an all-weather road.

Manitoba Hydro is seeking separate regulatory approval for these projects. This creates a risk that environmental impacts of the development (all three components) will not be considered as a whole.

The public was invited to comment on the Draft Scoping Document. The public comment period closed on September 25, 2007. Manitoba Hydro has not provided information about the intentions to rebuild all 6 dams on the Winnipeg River. Total costs could exceed $8 billion.

downloadDownload Manitoba Wildlands' October 9, 2007 comments on the Draft Scoping Document for the Pointe du Bois Modernization project MWL owl (PDF)

The Public Registry File for Pointe du Bois project is File #5283.00. To view a listing of the documents filed in the Public Registry File for Pointe du Bois project, visit Manitoba Eco-Network Public Registry Search webpage and search for the listing using PR File #5283.00
Source: Manitoba Hydro

Conawapa Generation Project


Conawapa generation station, on the Nelson River, was shelved in 1992 following Ontario’s decision to cancel a 1,000-megawatt energy contract with Manitoba Hydro. However, the November 2006 Speech from the Throne leaves little doubt regarding the Manitoba Government's intention to revive the project.

Today we are proud to announce that we will build the Conawapa dam. Energy projections for export and domestic markets indicate the time is right for Manitoba Hydro to move forward with another major generating station... Once in operation, Conawapa will generate 1,250 megawatts of electricity.

Prior to the November 2006 statements, news reports were referring to high level discussions between senior government officials in Manitoba and Ontario regarding Manitoba Hydro projects and current and future energy shortages for southern Ontario. It has been estimated that the cost of realizing Conawapa would be $5 billion (+ / -) plus transmission line costs.

In addition, during Clean Environment Commission licensing hearings for the Wuskwatim projects in 2004, Manitoba Hydro indicated the required notice under the Northern Flood Agreement regarding intent to start planning for Conawapa had been given to the five signatory First Nations (Split Lake, Nelson House, York Factory, Norway House and Cross Lake). Split Lake First Nation (Tataskweyak Cree Nation) received notification from Manitoba Hydro dated January 6, 2004. Mr. Ed Wojczynski, Division Manager of Power Planning and Development for Manitoba Hydro stated on Day Two of the Wuskwatim hearings (March 2, 2004) the decision to restart Conawapa had been made in the previous couple of months.

Manitoba Hydro and Tataskweyak Cree Nation (TCN) continue to state that a decision to proceed with an environmental impact assessment for Conawapa is not a decision to go ahead with the project. The final decision will be made following the regulatory approvals process.

downloadDownload the January 6, 2004 letter of notification (DOC)

Visit Manitoba Hydro's New Generation and Transmission Projects web page

Manitoba Hydro Billboard Summer 2004 Development of Conawapa and export of power to Ontario would require more transmission capacity. This would probably necessitate construction of a Manitoba-Ontario power grid (i.e. part of the proposed east-west power grid). Three options are being discussed to facilitate power transmission. Transmission could travel south on the east side of Lake Winnipeg and east to Kenora. Another option is a transmission line from northern Manitoba to northern Ontario and then to Sault Ste. Marie or Thunder Bay. The third option would involve lines crossing into Ontario, south of the dam and into southern Ontario.

No public steps have been taken concerning an upgraded Manitoba-Ontario power grid since October 2005.

View East-West Power Grid & Hydro MOU
Visit Manitoba Wildlands' Hydro Research page and the document Hydropower Transmission in Manitoba for detailed information regarding future transmission options.
View Manitoba Wildlands Hydro Map Gallery MWL owl

2009 Conawapa Update
Hydro has made no final development, design or construction decisions on Conawapa Generating Station, slated to become the largest hydro-electric project ever built in northern Manitoba. No agreements have been reached with local communities but environmental field studies and monitoring were ongoing at the Conawapa site during the summer of 2008 and public, engineering and environmental consultation activities are underway. The station's earliest in-service date would be 2022 under the current schedule.

Manitoba Hydro has begun the formal planning process with Fox Lake Cree Nation, York Factory First Nation, Tataskweyak Cree Nation, War Lake First Nation and Shamattawa First Nation. The Conawapa Working Group held a two-day Conawapa Hydraulic Impacts Workshop with Fox Lake Cree Nation on September 5-6, 2009 to review affected areas and proposed water levels.

In April 2008 Manitoba Hydro signed a formal term sheet with Wisconsin Public Service to provide up to 500 MW of hydro power over 15 years, starting in 2018. The sale ensures a need for new hydroelectric facilities in northern Manitoba and a new transmission line running into the United States.

View Conawapa Generating Station website
View August 18, 2009, FLCN Conawapa Hydraulic Impacts Workshop 2009
View June 24, 2009, FLCN Environmental Department Update June 18, 2009
downloadDownload Manitoba Hydro - Planning For Power (PDF)
Visit Cree Nation Partners website

Cree Lands Claim Before Conawapa
Since 1947, Fox Lake has been requesting reserve land in the Gillam area. Inaction from the federal government allowed Manitoba Hydro Electric Board to claim all lands in and around Gilliam for Nelson River Power Development, near the Conawpa site.

Fox Lake Cree Nation Logo Without reserve land Fox Lake was unable to participate in the Northern Flood Agreement in which Manitoba Hydro and the provincial and federal governments agreed to compensate five other Manitoba First Nations impacted by Hydro development.

On the Fox Lake Cree Nation website, Chief Neepin said "a Gilliam Reserve would have given our community some much needed cohesion and legitimacy during the troubled decades of Hydro development."

Manitoba Hydro is actively seeking new export opportunities of hydro electricity to neighbouring provinces and States. The Conawapa dam is considered key to Manitoba's economic future with preliminary design and fieldwork already well underway.

View May 16, 2008 Fox Lake Cree Nation response
View May 7, 2008 Fox Lake Cree Nation news release
View May 27, 2008 Manitoba Wildlands News ItemMWL owl
Sources: Winnipeg Free Press, Fox Lake Cree Nation, Turtle Island

downloadDownload 2005 War Lake First Nation Past Adverse Effects Agreement (PDF)

Gull (Keeyask) Generation Project


Manitoba Hydro is actively planning the development of the 695-megawatt Gull (Keeyask) Generation Project on the lower Nelson River.

View Manitoba Hydro's webpage for Keeyask Generating Station project

The Keeyask Generating Station would produce an average of 4,400 gigawatt hours of electricity each year and would be located about 725 km northeast of Winnipeg, where Gull Lake flows into Stevens Lake - about 35 km upstream of the existing Kettle Generating Station. Stevens Lake is a reservoir already for dams.

Keeyask would be Manitoba's fourth largest generating station. It would result in flooding of approximately 46 square kilometers of boreal taiga lands, and this area may gradually increase as a result of erosion.

The earliest potential in service date for the project is 2017 and the earliest date that construction is likely to begin is 2012.

View Manitoba Hydro maps of proposed Keeyask Generating Station: Overview Map & Close-up Map
View Manitoba Hydro's Overview webpage for Keeyask Generating Station

The proposed site for the Keeyask Generating Station is located on the Nelson River, approximately 60 kilometers from Split Lake with an in-service date of 2017, under the current schedule. Keeyask is a smaller and faster dam to build than Conawapa.

In June 2008, the Joint Keeyask Development Agreement (JKDA) was ratified by Tataskweyak Cree Nation, War Lake First Nation, Fox Lake Cree Nation, and York Factory First Nation. Each community also agreed on Adverse Effect Agreements.

In 2009, a ceremony was held in Split Lake to mark the official signing of the JKDA and outlined the partnership arrangements for the First Nation's participation. The Keeyask Cree Nations collectively have the right to own up to 25 percent of the partnership, with 75 percent remaining with Manitoba Hydro.

A comprehensive environmental impact assessment will be required to determine potential effects on the environment and people, mitigation develop follow-up monitoring programs. Studies of the existing environment, socio-economic and heritage resources started in 2007.

Public involvement will be conducted in three rounds of consultation before the process is complete. Currently at Round 1 of the Public Involvement Program, this stage includes project description and issue identification.

View Joint Keeyask Development Agreement
downloadDownload Fox Lake Cree Nation - Adverse Effects Agreement (PDF)
downloadDownload Tataskweyak Cree Nation - Adverse Effects Agreement (PDF)
downloadDownload War Lake First Nation - Adverse Effects Agreement (PDF)
downloadDownload York Factory First Nation - Adverse Effects Agreement (PDF)
downloadDownload May 2008 - Keeyask Generation Project Newsletter (PDF)
downloadDownload Keeyask - EIA Public Involvement Program: Round 1 (PDF)
Visit Cree Nation Partners website

download Download July 2008 Joint Keeyask Development Agreement (PDF)
download Download July 30, 2008 Keeyask Confidentiality Agreement (PDF)

Planning, Studies, Environmental Licensing and Regulatory Process
According to Manitoba Hydro's May 2008 Project Newsletter, planning and environmental studies have already begun as part of the preliminary project work.

downloadDownload Manitoba Hydro's May 2008 Keeyask Generation Project Newsletter - Round One (PDF)

hydro power compound No decision has been made to proceed with the project and Manitoba Hydro has not yet filed a proposal under Manitoba's Environment Act to seek regulatory review and approval for the Keeyask project. As part of the preliminary planning for Keeyask, Manitoba Hydro will be undertaking environmental impact assessment (EIA) studies, the results of which will be compiled in an environmental impact statement (EIS). Manitoba Hydro has been working with affected Cree Nations since 2001 to collect information that will be part of the EIA.

The EIS would be publicly available and submitted for review and approval under the Manitoba Environment Act and the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act (as well as other provincial and federal legislation where permits or licences are required for construction and operation).

As of May 2008, studies have focused on:
  • physical environment
  • terrestrial and aquatic environments
  • heritage resources
  • resource use (started 2007)
  • socio-economic environment (started 2007)
View Manitoba Hydro's webpage regarding Environmental Approvals for Keeyask Project
Visit Manitoba Hydro's webpage regarding Joint Keeyask Development Agreement

Manitoba Hydro expects public hearings will be held during environmental and regulatory review processes.

Associated Transmission Infrastructure
The proposed Keeyask Generating Station project consists of the powerhouse, spillway, three dams (central, north, south), dykes and a transmission tower spur. The project would also require associated transmission infrastructure to deliver the power to Manitoba Hydro's transmission grid. According to Manitoba Hydro's May 2008 Project Newsletter, "New transmission capacity is being planned, but is being developed as a separate project for reliability and security of the electricity system". Manitoba Hydro may attempt to avoid review of the transmission system when the generation station is reviewed.

Aboriginal Partnerships
Similar to the Wuskwatim generation project, Manitoba Hydro is currently negotiating an equity partnership with four First Nations - Tataskweyak Cree Nation (TCN), War Lake First Nation, York Factory First Nation and Fox Lake Cree Nation. TCN was the first community to enter into discussions with Manitoba Hydro, signing an Agreement in Principle in October 2000. The AIP outlines a basis for negotiating the Joint Keeyask Development Agreement (JKDA). The JKDA governs how the project would be developed and would set out understandings related to potential income opportunities, training, employment, business opportunities, and other related matters. Once finalized, support from the majority of the populations of the four Keeyask First Nations (through a formal vote on the JKDA) will be required as a condition of the Keeyask project to proceed.

In May 2001, TCN and War Lake First Nation signed a Memorandum of Cooperation and Understanding, which created the Cree Nation Partners (CNP). The purpose of CNP is to work together as partners to negotiate all matters with Manitoba Hydro related to Keeyask.

In October 2002, the four First Nations signed an agreement with Manitoba Hydro called the "Keeyask Negotiating Principles and Process", which outlines how negotiations will proceed. There are five contracts to be negotiated as part of the JKDA:
  • Limited Partnership Agreement
  • Power Purchase Agreement
  • Project Financing Agreement
  • Maintenance Agreement
  • Systems Operations Agreement

Spillway image by Garth Lenz In November 2002, Manitoba Hydro provided the First Nations with a document entitled "Manitoba Hydro's Preferred Arrangements for the Development of the Keeyask Project". It was presented as an opening position, which could be negotiated.


downloadDownload October 2000 AIP between Manitoba Hydro and Tataskweyak Cree Nation (TCN) (Split Lake Cree First Nation) regarding the (Gull) Keeyask Generating Station (PDF)
View July 9, 2003 Manitoba Hydro News Release
View Tataskweyak Cree Nation website on the Keeyask Generating Station
View Wuskwatim & Keeyask Training Consortium Inc. website

According to Manitoba Hydro's May 2008 Project Newsletter,

As part of negotiating the JKDA, each participating First Nation - Tataskweyak Cree Nation, War Lake First Nation, Fox Lake Cree Nation and York Factory First Nation - is negotiating a separate Adverse Effects Agreement that will bind the Keeyask Limited Partnership.

The purpose of the Adverse Effects Agreements, with certain exceptions, is to fully address all past and future Keeyask adverse effects on the Keeyask Cree Nations and their members which arise from the development and operation of the Keeyask Project and are foreseeable with the exercise of due diligence as of the date of the signing.

If all four First Nations sign the JKDA, and each First Nation maximizes its ownership in Keeyask, ownership would be as follows: Manitoba Hydro: 75%; TCN: 13%; War Lake First Nation: 2%; Fox Lake Cree Nation: 5%; York Factory First Nation: 5%.

Public Involvement
Manitoba Hydro has identified opportunities for public involvement as part of environmental impact assessment (EIS) activities related to Keeyask Generating Station project.

View Manitoba Hydro's webpage for Keeyask's Environmental Assessment Public Involvement Program

Open houses were held in June 2008 in Gillam, Thompson, Winnipeg and Brandon as part of Round One of the public involvement program.

Manitoba Hydro envisions two additional rounds of public involvement. See page 7 of the May 2008 Keeyask Generation Project Newsletter - Round One (PDF) for more information.

Separate formal consultations arising from the duty to consult with Aboriginal communities under Section 35 of the Constitution will also be required in order for the Keeyask project to proceed.

2008 Workshop
Manitoba Dam Debris by Garth Lenz Manitoba Wildlands attended an invitational workshop regarding the Keeyask hydro generation projects held in Winnipeg, November 2008.

The questions below were asked in the workshop - with some additions for web site audiences. Participants included Councilors and members from four affected First Nations. Several of the community participants indicated that the questions asked by Manitoba Wildlands were also being asked by the communities in negotiations with Manitoba Hydro.

downloadDownload November 2008, Keeyask Questions - Winnipeg Workshop MWL owl (PDF)

Notigi Generation Project

Manitoba Hydro was planning development of the 100-megawatt Notigi Generation Project, to be finished by 2009, located near the Wuskwatim site.

According to Manitoba Hydro’s website, they have "determined that Notigi will not proceed in the immediate future, and NCN and Manitoba Hydro are not pursuing further negotiations on the project at this time."

Notigi remains a control structure for the Churchill River Diversion at the south end of Notigi Lake, below South Indian Lake.

Gillam Island Generation Project

Gillam Island generation station is a potential 1,000-megawatt project on the lower Nelson River. Development of this project would require the construction of a new High Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) line and would likely trigger the construction of Bipole IV Transmission Project and possibly Bipole V Transmission Project.

During the CEC Wuskwatim hearings in March 2004, Manitoba Hydro executives confirmed that the Gillam Island generation station is an upcoming project on the Nelson River, along with Keyask (Gull) and Conawapa.

BiPole III 500 kV HVDC Transmission Project


Comment

comment
Cartoon about Electrical grid
By Patrick Corrigan

East-West Power Grid & Hydro MOU


Media reports since 2003 have suggested the federal government may make a financial commitment to provide federal funds to develop an east-west power grid. A major component of the proposed east-west power grid would be a new transmission line from Manitoba to southern Ontario.

In June 2003, then Premier Eves of Ontario and Premier Doer of Manitoba signed a memorandum of understanding which sets out objectives and activity for joint hydro development and transfer of power from Manitoba to Ontario. The MOU potentially includes work on future dams, including Conawapa, and the east - west transmission grid for Canada.

Ontario and Manitoba Crests downloadDownload Ontario-Manitoba Hydro MOU (DOC)

A feasibility study commissioned by Manitoba and Ontario under the MOU between Manitoba and Ontario was to be completed by November 30, 2003. The preliminary report (dated September 2004) outlining the potential for energy transfers between Manitoba and Ontario was released in Winnipeg September 31, 2004. The report examines possible power supply arrangements between Manitoba and Ontario, in particular generation and transmission infrastructure to meet a growing need for power in Ontario.

The report recommends proceeding to the next stage of the 'Clean Energy Transfer Initiative' ('CETI'), which would involve detailed engineering and cost analysis, especially regarding transmission line options, comprehensive consultations, the initiation of commercial negotiations, and political and policy decisions. In a September 30, 2004 press release, the Manitoba Government indicated that Manitoba and Ontario would proceed with a detailed technical study to follow-up on the feasibility study. As of July 2009, no public information about this technical study exists.

downloadDownload September 2004 report The Clean Energy Transfer - Preliminary Assessment of the Potential for a Clean Energy Transfer Between Manitoba and Ontario (PDF)
View September 30, 2004 Manitoba Government press release
Visit Manitoba Wildlands' Hydro Research page and the document Clean Energy Transfer Initiative - Manitoba Wildlands Review for an analysis of the Clean Energy Transfer report.

Manitoba Premier Gary Doer addressed the Empire Club in Toronto in October 2, 2004. The potential and justification for an east-west grid featured prominently in his speech. The Premier emphasized the issues of reliability and accessibility of hydro power within Canada, environmental benefits and meeting Kyoto targets, and economic feasibility as primary reasons for moving forward on planning for an east-west transmission grid amongst Canadian provinces.

downloadDownload the Premier Doer's address to the Empire Club (see last three pages) (DOC)

First Phase CETI: Ontario & Manitoba to Upgrade Transmission

Manitoba and Ontario signed an agreement that will see Manitoba transfer $500 million in clean, renewable hydro power to Ontario - up to 400 MW annually, based on transmission infrastructure upgrades between the two provinces.

The agreement, announced in October 2005, is the first phase of a larger 1,500 to 3,000 megawatt (MW) intended power sale - the Clean Energy Transfer Initiative (CETI) -under discussion by the two provinces (see section above for more details).

View the October 27, 2005 Government of Manitoba press release

Current transmission infrastructure will allow for power sales to Ontario in 2006 of 150 MW. This will increase to 400 MW annually by 2009 (pending requirements for environmental licenses) as transmission upgrades come online between Winnipeg and Thunder Bay.

Manitoba and Ontario have stated that they will continue to discuss the second phase of the CETI, which would require the construction of new generating facilities in northern Manitoba, as well as new transmission infrastructure.

As of July 2009, the federal government has not committed any financial support for the CETI and the agreement between Ontario and Manitoba for the first phase of the CETI is not publicly available. No public steps have been taken concerning a Manitoba-Ontario power grid since June 2005.

First Nations and the CETI

In March of 2006, Ontario Ministry of Energy (MOE) retained consultants on behalf of the Nishnawbe Aski Nation (NAN) Chiefs Steering Committee and the MOE to undertake a report to identify and review the potential impacts of the proposal to import renewable power and energy, from Manitoba into Ontario on affected Ontario First Nations.

This energy transfer proposal is known as the Clean Energy Transfer Initiative, or CETI and involves the transfer of 1500MW - 3000MW of hydro electric power, by way of a high voltage (HV) transmission line corridor, from the proposed new Conawapa hydro electric facility on the Nelson River in North-eastern Manitoba, through northern Ontario, to Sudbury. The document was prepared for the purposes of further engaging First Nations in the review of the CETI initiative.

downloadDownload July 2006 Executive Summary to Ontario Ministry of Energy and Chiefs Steering Committee - Northwest Ontario Transmission Line Study (PDF)
Coming soon: the July 2006 report - Northwest Ontario Transmission Line Study


Manitoba Wildlands2002-2010