Province, Ottawa to boost power

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Nine remote Native communities in Manitoba will get enough electricity to run more than their lights and a small appliance under a new deal.

A $117-million agreement between Ottawa and the province will upgrade power services for almost 9,000 residents in northern Manitoba's Native communities who now receive a minimal service. Costs will be shared between Ottawa, the province and Manitoba Hydro.

The project is scheduled for a 1997 finish. It will include the construction of more than 500 km of transmission and distribution lines, construction of four transformer stations and the removal and clean-up of old diesel generator plants.

Community leaders praised the agreement, calling it an opportunity to improve hard living conditions and create new jobs.

"This has great potential for our people," said St. Theresa Point Chief Jack Flett, who signed the agreement on behalf of the communities.

"We hope a new era has arrived where (communities, business and government) will join hands in combating the Third World conditions that exist in our communities."

The communities has also formed an umbrella organization, called Wapanuk Corporation, to co-ordinate business activities associated with the project. Manitoba Hydro said it will work closely with communities to develop local training, employment and business opportunities.

Manitoba Native Affairs Minister James Downey also applauded the project, saying the project will "provide considerable employment to our province over the next five years."

The communities involved are God's Lake, God's River, Red Sucker Lake, Garden Hill, Oxford House, St. Theresa Point, Wasagamack, Island Lake and God's Lake Narrows.

Manitoba Hydro president Bob Brennan also said the utility will upgrade electrical services in all Manitoba communities that are not up to current standards.