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Henvey Inlet First Nation awarded major energy contract

HENVEY INLET FIRST NATION, ON, Feb. 24 /CNW/ - Henvey Inlet First Nation (HIFN) is pleased to announce that its power corporation, has been awarded a Feed-In Tariff (FIT) contract from the province.

The Ontario Power Authority (OPA) has approved 40 new large scale renewable energy projects, including solar, wind and water, representing more than 872 megawatts (MW).

HIFN's Nigig Power Corporation will produce 300 MW through its wind farm project. The project will produce enough electricity each year to produce power for about 70,000 homes.

Henvey Inlet First Nation Chief Wayne McQuabbie says, "Our project team has worked diligently for the past two years for the project to arrive at this point. It's a monumental moment for our First Nation to be awarded such a large scale project."

Nigig Power Corporation President Ken Noble says, "We've reached a major milestone for our First Nation. We're now ready to choose a world class developer. Because of the magnitude of the project, we'll also be preparing our community for prosperity."

The Nigig Power Corporation wind farm project will boost the local economy through job creation and spin off benefits. Henvey Inlet First Nation is proud to be a part Ontario's commitment to the environment through the province's Clean Energy Act. It's hoped construction will begin in 2012.

Chief McQuabbie adds, "I can see a great future for our community, which includes cleaner air for our children and all Ontarians."

Henvey Inlet First Nation is comprised of approximately 20,000 acres is located along the shores of Georgian Bay, about three hours north of Toronto. HIFN has 650 members, with 175 living on-reserve, and is a member community of the Anishinabek Nation. For more information on the community, go to www.hifn.ca.