Electrification plans for Highway 37 being well received

The MLA for the North Coast has offered up his cautious support for the provincial government's plans to add a hydro corridor north from Terrace to Bob Quinn Lake.

Gary Coons was responding to last weeks announcement of a major development along the Highway 37 corridor that will bring an industrial level hydro development into the largely undeveloped areas north of Terrace and Stewart.

Coons, while applauding the plan to build a 287 kilovolt line northwards, still cautions the government to include the Tahltan nation in the plans. Coons wants to make sure that the line that is travelling through their territory will bring benefits to their people as well as industrial development for the province.

He outlined his thoughts in a front page story on the project in Wednesday's Daily News.

MLA LAUDS PROVINCE FOR POWER PROJECT, URGES CARE
By Leanne Ritchie
The Daily News
Wednesday, October 03, 2007
Pages one and three

North Coast MLA Gary Coons said he is pleased with the provincial government decision to proceed with the Northwest Transmission Line from Terrace to Bob Quinn Lake.

"It will definitely open up the region and be a catalyst of economic opportunity. Many have pushed for this to happen and it is great news," said Coons.

On Monday, Premier Gordon Campbell announced the province has entered into an agreement with NovaGold and Tech Cominco to install a $400-million transmission line into Northwestern B.C.

"This will have an immediate impact on future planning and infrastructure necessities as it relates to transportation, healthcare, and the social impacts that accompany any huge regional development," said Coons.

The British Columbia Transmission Corporation will now undertake the environmental assessment, permitting and community and First Nation consultation to proceed with the project.

NovaGold will be picking up $158 million of the capital cost. The province will pay for the rest.
Coons said the project will be taking place in Tahltan traditional territory.

"We must realize that there may be concerns among Tahltan residents who have already waved red flags over the pace and scope of development in the region if a 287 kilovolt line goes through," said Coons.

While NovaGold has struck a development agreement with the Tahltan for the Galore Creek project, the community is concerned about a rapid flood of projects that will follow the arrival of 138 Kv line, which is scheduled to be in production in 2012.

"The Tahltan, who are wary of the social and economic impact of a line, have argued a land-use plan for the area is essential prior to increasing any line beyond their agreement with NovaGold," said Coons.

Mike Farnsworth, chair of the First Nations and Community Relations Committee with the B.C. and Yukon Chamber of Mines recently noted that "effective consultation and accommodation which respect cultural and heritage issues for traditional territories" must take place.

Coons agreed, adding that the Tahltan First Nation have already identified areas of concern and areas of mutual interest following the principles developed by the Tahltan Symposium on Mining and outlined in the document Out of Respect - The Tahltan, Mining and the Seven Questions to Sustainability.

"We need long-term sustainable development that meets the test of social conscience. This is best, both for the province, for industry and for those that live on the land," he said.