Kivalliq Hydro-Fibre Link Gets a Boost
Rankin Inlet, NU. – Feasibility work will advance the planning for a possible hydroelectric-fibreoptic link between Manitoba and the Kivalliq region of Nunavut now that the federal government has thrown its support behind studying the project. The economic potential in the Kivalliq region of Nunavut is tremendous thanks to its vast natural resources. Local residents and businesses, however, are constrained by their dependency on expensive fossil fuels for heat and electricity and the use of satellites for internet connectivity.
That’s why the Government of Canada, through the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency (CanNor), is supporting a two-year technical and feasibility study on developing a hydroelectric-fibreoptic link.
“The Federal government has shown leadership and will be a critical partner as we advance the Kivalliq Hydro-Fibre Link project,” says David Ningeongan, President of the Kivalliq Inuit Association. “Renewable energy, sustainable economic development, and high-speed fibre optic internet are priorities for our communities. This Inuit-led project will provide lasting benefits to the entire territory and Canada. Together with our public and private sector partners we look forward to working with the federal government to make this project a reality.”
Funding of over $1.6 million was announced recently to help advance the project. The studies will look at the feasibility of a main 230-Kilovolt, 1,200-kilometre electric transmission line, several shorter medium voltage transmission lines, and a fibre optic line. These lines would connect from Northern Manitoba and serve the five southern-most Kivalliq communities as well as Agnico Eagle’s gold mines, major employers in the region.
The project work being supported includes gathering technical data, conceptual design work, impacts costing, required permits, and government and stakeholder engagement. The Kivalliq Inuit Association and Anbaric Development Partners are contributing an additional $818,168 to the project.
