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OPG press release

Celebration marks opening of Lac Seul Generating Station - Minister of Energy and Infrastructure opens Lac Seul station

    EAR FALLS, ON, April 14 /CNW/ - The Hon. George Smitherman, Deputy Premier and Minister of Energy and Infrastructure, joined dignitaries from the Lac Seul First Nation (LSFN), Ear Falls and Ontario Power Generation (OPG) at the official opening of the 12.5 MW Lac Seul Generating Station / Obishikokaang Waasiganikewigamig located near Ear Falls.

    "Ontario is committed to empowering First Nations and Métis communities to help bring on new sources of sustainable energy supply that are better for the earth, better for our health and provide a boost to local economies," said George Smitherman, Deputy Premier and Minister of Energy and Infrastructure.

    "The Lac Seul Generating Station is a trailblazer for a new cooperative model that we hope to build on through the proposed Green Energy Act," he added.

    Chief Clifford Bull of LSFN said the project had captured the imagination of his community. "Many members of the community made the long trip to be here because this is a significant moment in our First Nation's history we need to experience together. It's a signal that we are finally being treated as equals." LSFN purchased a 25 per cent share of the project.

    John Murphy, OPG's Executive Vice-President Hydroelectric said, "I want to personally thank the Lac Seul First Nation for their vision, commitment and cooperation in helping to make this project a reality. Their support has been invaluable to its success. We're excited about our partnership with the LSFN community and look forward to the many benefits it will bring to the community, to OPG and to Ontario.

    "I also want to thank the broader community of Ear Falls - including Mayor Ron Bergman - for their support as well. Through our station at Ear Falls, OPG has been a part of this community for almost 80 years. This new facility reaffirms our strong commitment to the people of this area and to our continued presence in the region as an engaged and active member."

    The new station, adjacent to the Ear Falls Generating Station, has dual names, one Ojibway, the other English. The Ojibway name is Obishikokaang Waasiganikewigamig. The first part means White Pine Narrows - the original Ojibway name of the area - and the second part means electricity generating building. The English name is Lac Seul Generating Station.

    Construction on the project began in January 2006. The plant is built adjacent to Ear Falls Generating Station, an existing OPG facility. This new plant will use water that has historically been spilled past the existing station. This water will now be used to generate, clean, renewable energy, and enough electricity to meet the annual needs of 5,000 homes. All future profits and risks will be shared by OPG and the First Nation.

For further information: OPG Media Relations, 1-877-592-4008 or (416) 592-4008, ww.opg.com