Fort William First Nation announces it opposes OPG’s redevelopment of the Kakabeka Falls Generating Station because of lack of consultation and disregard for the archaeological importance of the site.
FORT WILLIAM FIRST NATION — A major infrastructure project could disturb an Anishinaabe burial site at Kakabeka Falls.
Solomon told Dougall Media that the $200 million “refurbishment” of the generating station is a misnomer because “it’s really a completely new project.”“By that action, that allows for them to go around certain responsibilities they would have if they didn't leave this building standing. If they didn't leave part of this site standing, it creates a bit of a loophole for them, specifically a loophole to complete a class environmental assessment,” she continued.
In an OPG media release in April, the hydro company stated that “the project is expected to generate economic benefits for local Indigenous communities” and “OPG has been working closely with the Fort William First Nation to ensure the community’s consultation and input are considered from the onset, starting with the preliminary planning stages of the project.”“I felt it was a little misleading in that Fort William First Nation has not supported this project,” Solomon said.
However, the development of the plant 120 years ago resulted in flooding, changes to waterways, and irreparable damage to the cultural heritage and Fort William First Nation’s way of life. “It's misleadingly being identified as a revamp or an update to the project. It doesn't require them to the same standards for partnership development as it would if they were starting from scratch. In my mind, it really is going around and going through a loophole that wouldn't otherwise exist,” she continued.
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