Community Innovation Bringing Clean Energy To Saskatchewan

Investing in infrastructure that promotes clean energy solutions is key to creating a strong low-carbon economy and sustainable future for Canadians. Today, Carolyn Bennett, Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations, on behalf of Francois-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities, and Saskatchewan Trade and Export Development Minister and Meadow Lake MLA Jeremy Harrison announced funding for a major green energy project in Meadow Lake. The Bioenergy Centre will generate carbon-neutral green power using sawmill biomass residuals. It will be the first plant of its kind in Saskatchewan and is expected to produce 6.6 megawatts of base-load electricity to power approximately 5,000 homes with greener energy.

The project is expected to decrease greenhouse gas emissions by more than one million tonnes over 25 years, and reduce smoke and other harmful matter to significantly improve air quality for residents. Revenues from the plant will also support essential programs and services including child and family services, education, and health and youth development for the nine-member First Nations comprising the Meadow Lake Tribal Council. The Government of Canada is contributing $52.5 million to this project through the Green Infrastructure Stream of the Canada-Saskatchewan Integrated Bilateral Agreement under the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program.

Quick facts:

• Through the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Plan, the Government of Canada is investing more than $180 billion over 12 years in public transit projects, green infrastructure, social infrastructure, trade and transportation routes, and Canada’s rural and northern communities.

• $26.9 billion of this funding is supporting green infrastructure projects, including $5 billion available for investment through the Canada Infrastructure Bank.

• The Government of Canada is contributing up to $52.5 million to this project through the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Plan. A further $250,000 is being provided by the Indigenous Services Canada and Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs’ Community Opportunities Readiness Program.

• The nine-member First Nations comprising the Meadow Lake Tribal Council (MLTC) are Birch Narrows Dene Nation, Buffalo River Dene Nation, Canoe Lake Cree Nation, Clearwater River Dene Nation, English River First Nation, Flying Dust First Nation, Makwa Sahgaiehcan First Nation, Ministikwan Lake Cree Nation, and Waterhen Lake First Nation.

Associated links:

• Investing in Canada: Canada’s Long-Term Infrastructure Plan: http://www.infrastructure.gc.ca/plan/icp-publication-pic-eng.html

• Investing in Canada Plan Project Map: http://www.infrastructure.gc.ca/map

• Federal infrastructure investments in Saskatchewan: https://www.infrastructure.gc.ca/investments-2002-investissements/sk-eng.html