Ottawa and the Northwest Territories today announced over $1.2 million in federal and territorial investments in the Taltson Hydroelectricity Expansion project, with funding going to support Indigenous engagement and fund initial engineering work.
“Our government is committed to collaborating with our territorial and Indigenous partners to sustainably develop the clean power potential of Canada’s North,” said Dominic LeBlanc, P.C., Q.C., M.P., Minister of Intergovernmental and Northern Affairs and Internal Trade. “Canada’s investments in the initial stage of this major project will help to complete project studies and ensure that Indigenous peoples are engaged from the outset.”
The proposed initial expansion of the Taltson project will deliver 60 megawatts of clean energy to the North Slave hydroelectric system, more than doubling current hydroelectricity capacity in the territory.
The project will contribute to a cleaner environment and stronger economy, removing up to 240,000 tonnes of polluting emissions from the air each year, equivalent to about 48,000 cars, stimulate local economies, and provide employment opportunities for Indigenous people and all Northerners.
“The Taltson Hydroelectricity Expansion Project is more than a transmission project,” said Bob McLeod, Premier of the Northwest Territories. “It represents a key element in the government of the Northwest Territories vision for a lower carbon economy that will increase the availability of clean, renewable energy to help the NWT reduce its reliance on diesel, help lower the cost of living for NWT residents and allow the territory to meet its commitments to address climate change.”
Later phases of the expansion will connect the Taltson hydroelectric system with provincial electricity networks, creating a more integrated energy system that will allow for increased north-south energy trade.
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