Thorunn Howatt
Northern News Services

Inuvik (Aug 27/01) - A vision that could see money flowing into the Northwest Territories for as long as the rivers run was presented at the Gwich'in tribal council annual general assembly in Inuvik last week.

"There is a huge demand for energy, especially in the United States," said Joe Handley, the NWT Economic Development minister.

He was pitching an outline for a $26-billion plan to dam six Northern rivers in order to harness hydro-electricity that could be sold to power-hungry Americans.

Handley has been trying to convince assemblies the government has to look for alternatives to trapping, fishing and even diamond mining if it is to keep revenue pouring into the Northwest Territories.

The rivers targeted for dams include the Taltson, Lockhart, Snare, La Marte and Bear. "But the real big one is the Mackenzie," said Handley.

The presentation pointed to $6.6 million in annual revenue if the dams all went ahead -- nearly $6 million from the Mackenzie alone.

"We are looking at the potential. It will mean dams on the river systems that retain water at the high water mark."

He explained the proposed dams would have a minimal effect on rivers, diverting only some of the water. Regions wouldn't be flooded compared to the projects like James Bay in northern Quebec.

Most electrical power used in the Northwest Territories is supplied using expensive diesel fuel that has to be shipped north and contributes to greenhouse gases. Carbon dioxide emissions could be cut down by a million tonnes annually by switching to hydro-power.

"We won't pursue it unless everyone is on-side," said Handley, who described the proposed project as a partnership of government, and communities. "The aboriginal groups have to be on-side. There will not be hydro development without their agreement."

Presentations similar to the one in Inuvik were given in Tulita, Kakisa and Fort Providence. Handley hopes to have a memorandum of understanding in place before winter that would lay out basic principles.

But the project is not going to be an easy sell. There has been fierce opposition.

"As long as I'm chief they'll never put a dam on the Lockhart River," said Lutsel K'e Chief Archie Catholique.

But if aboriginal groups could be brought on-side, dollars and time would follow.

"There would be detailed pre-engineer work in some sites," said Handley, adding that a power line carrying Northern electricity could be run to Fort McMurray very quickly.

Last December, when a government report on rivers was released, presenters suggested, "You might want to take a look at your hydro potential," re-tells Jim Robertson who was in Inuvik along side Handley.

After the availability of hydro-power became obvious, feasibility became the issue.

"Hydro projects can pay themselves off in 35 to 60 years," said Robertson.

Robertson said that one penny per kilowatt could generate more money than the whole government of the Northwest Territories through the total annual budget.

If the proposal goes to the memorandum of understanding level then Handley admits a route would have to be negotiated to take the electricity to the States.

"We need transmission infrastructure," he said. Right now there is no tie line to take power through Alberta to the American market. Handley said a minister's meeting would have to discuss a western Canadian power grid.