Kasabonika Lake First Nation Awards Contract for Major Improvements to its Diesel Generating Station

Government of Canada extends its congratulations

OTTAWA, Nov. 20, 2014 /CNW/ - Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Minister, Bernard Valcourt, today congratulated Kasabonika Lake First Nation on taking a major step forward in the upgrading of their diesel generating station, following the awarding of a contract to Con-Pro Industries by the First Nation. 

This project represents the Government of Canada's commitment to addressing the unique electrical challenges faced by remote communities in Ontario. Sustainable and reliable electrical generation is crucial to the future economic growth and development opportunities for the community of Kasabonika Lake.

The upgrade, with construction to commence in the spring of 2015, will include an addition of a generator room, the replacement of the existing fuel storage tank system, and upgrades to various auxiliary systems including electrical, heat recovery, ventilation, combustion exhaust, new and used oil delivery, switchgear, and step-up transformers.

Quick facts

• The Kasabonika Lake First Nation is a remote community located approximately 460 kilometers northeast of Sioux Lookout in northwestern Ontario. Access to the community is either by air or by winter road, when seasonal conditions permit. There are currently 185 homes on the reserve. Mobilization of materials to the First Nation is slated to occur in 2015 using the winter road.
• The Government of Canada is investing approximately $12 million in capital funding for the facility to meet current and future electrical needs of Kasabonika Lake First Nation.

Quotes

"Our Government believes that investing in a reliable electrical generating plant is essential for building strong and self-reliant First Nation communities. Our funding and the awarding of the contract by Kasabonika Lake First Nation are concrete examples of action taken and real progress made to improve the quality of life for First Nations in Ontario."

Bernard Valcourt
Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development

"I want to congratulate Kasabonika Lake First Nation on reaching this milestone. This is a clear demonstration of the great work that can be accomplished when Governments and First Nations come together to advance shared priorities."

Greg Rickford
Minister of Natural Resources and Minister for the Federal Economic Development Initiative for Northern Ontario

"I appreciate the efforts of the team in getting this project approved which is urgently required. This project will lead to a lot of other opportunities in the community and help to solve the housing backlog." 

Chief Eno Anderson
Kasabonika Lake First Nation

Associated Links
Canada's Economic Action Plan
Kasabonika Lake First Nation Community Profile

SOURCE: Government of Canada

Contacts: Erica Meekes, Press Secretary, Office of the Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development, 819-997-0002; Media Relations: Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada, 819-953-1160; You can subscribe to receive our news releases and speeches via RSS feeds or e-mail. For more information or to subscribe, visit www.aandc.gc.ca/subscriptions.