Chris Windeyer
Northern News Services
Monday, February 5, 2007

IQALUIT - The Conservative government's new green energy plan has Nunavut's energy minister hopeful he can get his hands on money to help fund Qulliq Energy Corporation's proposed hydroelectric dam.

Prime Minister Stephen Harper announced Jan. 19 the ecoEnergy initiative, which will dole out nearly $1.5 billion to various kinds of green energy projects. Included in that list is hydroelectric projects that produce under 30 megawatts of power.

Picco said he's written to Natural Resources Minister Gary Lunn seeking funding for a $5 million feasibility study that's needed before the project can go ahead.

"That's the kind of project that's sexy to the feds," Picco said of the hydro dam.

Qulliq Energy Corporation is looking to build a hydro plant capable of producing between four and 30 megawatts of power somewhere in the south Baffin region to serve the territory's single biggest market, Iqaluit.

Qulliq has narrowed a short list of five possible sites for the dam to two: Cantley Bay west of the city and Jaynes Inlet to the south.

"We're looking at what has the least impact financially, logistically, administratively and environmentally," he said.

Meanwhile, Iqaluit city council is not happy with the way Qulliq is proceeding with the project.

Councillors Simon Nattaq and Claude Martel represent the city on an advisory committee overseeing the project. Nattaq complained Wednesday that he was required to get the permission of Qulliq's board chair before revealing details of the meetings to council.

"Council's view is that we should have been getting updates from Simon (Nattaq)," said Mayor Elisapee Sheutiapik. "We'd be more than happy to have in-camera discussions for updates."

Picco said he'd be willing to meet with council.

Coun. Glenn Williams floated the idea of getting the city more involved in the project, noting the city is already in the development game.