Isadore Day, Serpent River First Nation (SRFN) chief and Lake Huron treaty commissioner said “We definitely are in discussions with not just one major transmission line developer. We are also in discussion with Hydro One.”
Day has stated that George Smitherman, Ontario Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure Minister, has acknowledged treaty-based development as an actuality.
The chiefs of the Robinson Huron Treaty established a small group to contemplate alternatives later in 2009 concerning collaboration with Great Lakes Power Transmission.
In particular, Serpent River desires power transmission possibilities as well as to construct power generators on its territory.
Day said “We are also seeing a benefit in this development due to the fact that much of the ability to generate power is within our traditional territories. The North Shore region is home to both wind and hydro development and we are now seeing (potential) with solar.”
For this purpose, four sites located on its land are being scrutinized. Day stated that SRFN will own and manage anything constructed on its land.
Day said “Serpent River has been formally stating to the Ministry of Natural Resources on the issue of site release policy with respect to who is going to develop these sites.”
This is relevant for facilities that generate 10 megawatts or less.
The community will partner with or pursue investors for bigger power projects.
