Area First Nations Pursue Construction of High Voltage Line

Written by Pic Mobert First Nation on 21 July 2011

Area First Nations Create New Venture to Pursue Construction of High Voltage Transmission Line

Thunder Bay, ON – Five First Nations today completed the creation of a new business venture through which they will hold their ownership interest in a proposed high voltage transmission line to be constructed through their traditional territories in Northwestern Ontario.

The new venture, which will operate under the name “Bamkushwada Limited Partnership”, will be owned by the Michipicoten, Pic Mobert, Pic River, Pays Plat and Red Rock First Nations. The Bamkushwada Limited Partnership will represent the First Nations in a joint venture with Great Lakes Power Transmission Ltd that was first announced in September, 2010.

The transmission project, which is known as “the East West Tie”, was first announced by the Ontario Government in 2009, and was recently identified as a priority in the Ontario Power Authority’s Long Term Energy Plan. The Ontario Energy Board is soon expected to open a competitive process for the selection of a proponent for the project. The Ontario Minister of Energy has strongly encouraged the Ontario Energy Board to take into account the significance of Aboriginal participation to the delivery of the transmission project.

“The creation of the Bamkushwada Limited Partnership is the result of our First Nations’ commitment to work together as a unified entity to best represent and advance the collective interests of our Nations with respect to the proposed transmission project”, says Pays Plat Chief Xavier Thompson. The headquarters of the new partnership will be located in the Pays Plat First Nation.

“We believe that our partnership as communities when combined with the capabilities of our private sector partner provides a unique and highly credible team that is well positioned to secure and deliver the East-West Tie in the most effective and efficient manner for the long term benefit of all Ontarians”, said Red Rock First Nation Chief Pierre Pelletier.