Construction of Hydromega Services’ 10-MW Okikendawt project began in September. The project — located adjacent to a dam that controls an outflow from Ontario’s Lake Nipissing into the French River — is a joint venture between Hydromega and the Dokis First Nation.
All energy generated by the facility will be sold to the Ontario Power Authority for a 40-year term via a feed-in tariff power purchase agreement. Hydromega said the project was designed after consultations with stakeholders in the region and that fishery habitats and sensitive ecological and archeological zones will be protected.
The partners said they were helped in the project’s development by Ontario Power Authority, Hydro One, the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources, federal departments of Aboriginal Affairs, Northern Development and Public Works, Government Services Canada, and other local and federal municipalities. Financing for Okikendawt was arranged by the Stonebridge Financial Corporation.
“We anticipate construction of the project will take 18 months,” Hydromega President Jacky Cerceau said. “Development of the project will lead to significant investment in construction related activities, services and equipment contracts with numerous companies.”
— Hydro Review October 2013