NEWS RELEASE

For Immediate Release 2009EMPR0013-000351 September 16, 2009

Ministry of Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources

 

PROVINCIAL AND FEDERAL PARTNERSHIP TO ELECTRIFY THE NORTH

 

VICTORIA – The Northwest Transmission Line will now go ahead with the announcement of $130 million committed by the Government of Canada through the Green Infrastructure Fund, announced Blair Lekstrom, Minister of Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources.

 

“We are pleased that the federal government has recognized the importance of the Northwest Transmission Line and we are pushing ahead with the $404 million NTL that will open mining and energy opportunities in the northern part of the province,” said Lekstrom. “NTL will help communities in the region transition away from diesel generation and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.”

 

This is an important step towards building a powerline that has the potential to generate billions of dollars in capital investment, create thousands of new jobs and open economic opportunities on a global scale in the Northwest.

 

The Province has already invested $10 million to support the environmental assessment and First Nations consultation process. The new 287-kilovolt line will extend 335 km from Terrace to Meziadin Junction and north to Bob Quinn Lake, providing access to the electricity grid for customers while supporting the economic diversification of the area.

 

The project could support the development of a number of new mines, take advantage of the vast mineral potential in that region and help realize the potential of the Prince Rupert Fairview Container Terminal. It will also support the development of clean, renewable electricity projects in the region. Expanding transmission along highway 37 could stimulate thousands of jobs and billions of dollars worth of economic activity for British Columbia.

 

B.C. is recognized as a clean energy powerhouse and this project will help British Columbia to reach its goal of curbing greenhouse gas emissions by 33 per cent by 2020.

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Contact:

Jake Jacobs Ministry of Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources 250 952-0628 250 213-6934 (cell)

 

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