The project will feature two water power generating stations, Gitchi Animki Bezhig, and Gitchi Animki Niizh, totaling 18.9MW in the traditional territory of the Netamasakomik People of the Pic Mobert First Nation.
Once commissioned, Gitchi Animki Bezhig will replace the function of an old Ministry of Natural Resources’ regulating dam that manages lake levels and flood flows on White Lake.
General contractor Dragados Canada, 100% owned subsidiary of Dragados, is mobilizing personnel and equipment on the development sites and expects to commission the project in around two years.
The project, which was contracted under the Ontario Power Authority’s feed in tariff program, secured financing from Canadian project finance lender Manulife Financial.
Gitchi Animki Energy, a subsidiary company that holds the Pic Mobert First Nation’s ownership interest in the venture, managing director Norman Jaehrling said that Ontario, Canada and the Ontario Power Authority have extended their support for the project.
"Beyond financial assistance, the support and contributions of the various levels of government and local and regional stakeholders that we interacted with during the development process have been valued, and we believe have contributed to a very successful project design and plan," added Jaehrling.
