opgOntario Power Generation (OPG) and Coral Rapids Power (CRP), a company wholly owned by Taykwa Tagamou Nation (TTN), are building a new 28 megawatt hydroelectric generating station approximately 90 km north of the Town of Smooth Rock Falls.

The $300 million project is expected to employ 220 workers at peak and be completed in 2018.

“We are excited to partner with OPG on this project,” said TTN Chief Dwight Sutherland. “OPG has a proven track record partnering with First Nation communities. We wanted to work with them on this project which will provide lasting economic opportunities for the people of Taykwa Tagamou Nation, for this generation and many to follow.”

“Just over two years ago we committed to move forward with this project and today I’m pleased to announce the start of construction,” said Ontario Energy Minister Bob Chiarelli.  “This project will provide clean, reliable, affordable power while benefitting the local and regional economies.”

“In my short time with the company I have visited a number of First Nations communities and met with a number of Chiefs. I learned quickly that OPG has a proud legacy of working closely with First Nations,” said Jeff Lyash, OPG’s new President and CEO. “As Ontario’s largest clean power generator, our success is built on community partnerships and support and we will never take that for granted.”

The development will use a portion of the water flowing down New Post Creek to generate electricity by transporting water 250 meters from the intake via a penstock (large pipe) to the power house on the Abitibi River. The remaining water will continue to flow over the falls to restore its original beauty.

The new station will be named in honour of a respected community elder, Peter Sutherland Sr., who was born 100 years ago this month and passed on in 1998. When in service, the Peter Sutherland Sr. Generating Station will provide clean, reliable hydroelectric power to up to 25,000 homes.

Kiewit/Aecon New Post a Partnership, was selected as the design build contractor through a competitive process.

BACKGROUNDER – JOB CREATION
Peter Sutherland Sr. Generating Station

Employment on the project is expected to peak at 220 workers, and be distributed across a wide variety of professions and trades typically associated with a remote heavy construction project.

Labour needs will include: engineers, equipment operators (e.g., backhoe, crane, dozer), labourers (e.g., general, skilled and unskilled), drillers, cement workers, ironworkers/rodmen, electricians, welders, carpenters and camp support services (e.g., catering, maintenance, clerical).

Recent OPG experience on the Lower Mattagami River project indicates approximately 60 per cent of the total labour requirements for the on-site work would be met by the labour market in northern Ontario.

Based on other recent OPG hydroelectric projects in northern Ontario, every direct job will generate another 0.65 person years of employment elsewhere in the north.

The project has identified Taykwa Tagamou Nation (TTN) member skill gaps and targeted training to enhance employment opportunities. TTN members of the Building Trade Unions have secured employment to help prepare the footprint for the camp, the project area and access roads.

Opportunities for existing local businesses and the regional economy will come via contracting work, as well as local project purchasing and expenditures. The estimated sales multiplier associated with the project will be $1.50 – that is for every dollar expended an additional $0.50 will be spent within Northern Ontario.