Common Voice Reacts To Draft Energy Plan

The Common Voice Northwest Energy Task Force has responded to the Ontario Power Authority’s draft energy plan for the Dryden, Ear Falls, Red Lake and Pickle Lake area.
After 2-months of intensive review and consultation, Co-Chair Iain Angus says they generally support the recommendations.
However, Angus says one clear failing is the ongoing position of the OPA that the Thunder Bay Generating Station has no role to play in providing energy to either the growth area north of Dryden or the rest of the region.
Angus adds that it makes more sense to use an existing “bought and paid for” asset with well trained staff rather than constructing new facilities at a cost of $1.2-million per megawatt.
Co-Chair Larry Hebert says its essential that the Province speed up the process of developing new and needed infrastructure into the Dryden north area.
Hebert adds Pickle Lake has been telling the government since 1995 that their community has no access to sufficient energy.
Several other calls have been made since than from Red Lake, Ear Falls and officials with the Musselwhite Mine.
Hebert says a delay in construction is unacceptable and Ontario must find a way to eliminate barriers.
The Task Force has submitted its response to the Minister of Energy and the OPA and is calling for a follow-up meeting right away.
(Picture: Iain Angus)