SOMBA K'E/YELLOWKNIFE - Deze Energy Corporation, proposing the expansion of the Taltson River hydroelectric facility, is suggesting an alternate route to carry power to the NWT's diamond mines.

A proposal to run transmission lines east of Great Slave Lake was opposed by Lutsel K'e Dene First Nation (LKDFN), which objected to having the lines cross the Lockhart River and Desnedhe Che, the area from the mouth of the Lockhart to Artillery Lake. The people of Lutsel K'e consider it a sacred area.

On Sept. 26, Deze Energy Corporation - pitching a $500-million expansion of the hydroelectric site and a 690-km transmission line - submitted an adjusted route to the Mackenzie Valley Environmental Impact Review Board. The adjustment would avoid the Lockhart River and Desnedhe Che. The route would veer west just below Charlton Bay and cross the peninsula of land at Reliance.

"We have to cross that area somehow," said Dan Grabke, managing director of Deze Energy Corporation. He said the new proposal is for discussion and Deze Energy is "wide open" for feedback.

"It's another idea," he said. "We're not planting poles."

Grabke said the new proposed route shows there is flexibility on where the transmission line would run. The new proposed route would mean the transmission line would be more in view from Great Slave Lake, he said. "There'd be more of a visual impact."

Grabke said crossing the Lockhart River and Desnedhe Che is "practically speaking" no longer in the mix for a transmission route, since people in Lutsel K'e have made clear it is a no-go zone.

Chief Steven Nitah of LKDFN sounded somewhat encouraged by the latest proposed route.

"Our position may not change, but we're prepared to talk about it," the chief said, noting the First Nation was not prepared to talk about any route that crossed the Lockhart River and Desnedhe Che.

"I'm encouraged by their actions," Nitah said of Deze Energy's new proposal. "I'm discouraged it's a moving target all the time."

Nitah said LKDFN recognizes the fact Deze Energy heard the band's concerns.

The chief now wants to hear more from the proponent about the new suggested route.

Nitah wondered how Deze Energy is using the Mackenzie Valley Environmental Impact Review Board.

"Are they expecting the board to steer them in the right direction?" he said.

Nitah said the new suggestion requires the attention of the board, but he is not sure if a new hearing is needed.

Deze Energy's supplemental submission to the board also noted a second possible adjustment - veering the line east just past Charlton Bay and just south of the proposed national park boundary to cross a narrow bay at the south end of Artillery Lake. That route would also not cross the Lockhart River or the Desnedhe Che area. However, the submission noted LKDFN indicated Artillery Lake is of significant cultural and spiritual importance and the route is not a viable option.

"It ruled out that adjustment fairly early," Grabke said, noting the option was submitted to show the board it was considered.

The transmission line would stretch from the hydro site 50 km northeast of Fort Smith, around the eastern end of Great Slave Lake, and on to the diamond mines. Lutsel K'e Dene First Nation expressed its opposition to the route crossing the Lockhart River and the Desnedhe Che area at a Jan. 14-15 hearing in Dettah by the Mackenzie Valley Environmental Impact Review Board. Other Akaitcho First Nations are partners in Deze Energy Corporation along with the GNWT and the Northwest Territory Metis Nation.

The expansion plan would add another power plant to the Twin Gorges site, which now produces 18 megawatts of electricity. The extra 56 megawatts would be sold to the diamond mines.

Grabke said the proposed Reliance route works out to be about the same distance as crossing the Lockhart River and would probably not mean any extra cost. Deze Energy is planning to go to Lutsel K'e to meet members of LKDFN to further explain the adjusted proposed route.