FAQs
Why are OPG and Coral Rapids Power considering this
Project?
In April 2006, a Memorandum of Understanding was signed
between Ontario Power Generation Inc. (OPG) and the Taykwa Tagamou Nation (TTN)
to jointly explore hydroelectric development opportunities within the Abitibi
River drainage basin, north of Highway 11. As a result of this initiative, a
potential waterpower generation location was identified on New Post Creek, a
tributary of the Abitibi River.
The New Post Creek Hydroelectric Project, proposed by
OPG with its partner Coral Rapids Power (CRP), a corporation wholly owned by
the TTN, would take advantage of a portion of this diverted flow descending 60
metres (m) between New Post Creek and the Abitibi River, all within TTN
Traditional Territory, to generate approximately 25 megawatts (MW) of
electricity.
What is the history of the New Post Creek
Diversion?
In 1963, Ontario Hydro constructed the New Post Creek
Diversion Dam on the Little Abitibi River in order to supply additional
generating capacity at its Otter Rapids Generating Station (GS). The Otter
Rapids GS is owned and operated by OPG under the authority of a Water Power
Lease. The dam allows significant flows to be diverted along the constructed
New Post Creek Diversion Channel and New Post Creek to the Abitibi River
upstream of Otter Rapids GS.
How can you build a hydroelectric generating station in
the Park?
To carry out the Proposed Undertaking, the deregulation
of a small portion of Little Abitibi Provincial Park is necessary to align with
requirements of the Provincial Parks and Conservation Reserves Act, 2006.
Replacement lands adjacent to the park boundary have been identified resulting
in a larger park and enhanced ecological integrity. TTN and OPG were involved
in the process to determine these replacement lands. The Class EA for
Waterpower Projects process will be coordinated with the Ontario Ministry of
Natural Resources' Crown land use amendment and Class EA processes to amend of
the park boundary for the Proposed Undertaking.
