Sask. First Nation announces wind power project
Last Updated: Tuesday, August 12, 2008 | 4:06 PM CT Comments7 Recommend9
CBC News
A Saskatchewan First Nation is getting into the wind power business.
Beardy's and Okemasis First Nation, located about 90 kilometres northeast of Saskatoon, plans to develop a 100-megawatt wind farm in the rural municipality of Big Quill.
The First Nation is partnering on the project with SkyPower, a Toronto wind power company.
Beardy's and Ogemais Chief Rick Gamble said the project will provide local benefits, including job training programs and employment for locals.
It will also have a positive impact on local tourism, he said.
"The proposed development will be an important driver of local economic development for years to come," Gamble said in a news release Monday.
The partners said in the release that the project will be built on 12,000 acres of land and when completed, will generate clean energy sufficient to power more than 30,000 homes.
Construction of the Willow Cree wind project could start as early as 2010, the partners said. The cost of the project wasn't disclosed.
Saskatchewan has three other wind farms in the southwest region.
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