CBC
Just when the proposal to have a huge undeveloped wilderness east of
Manitoba Hydro and the provincial government expressed interest in building a hydroelectric transmission line through the area, which would involve cutting a wide swath of boreal forest.
Hydro is considering several options to transmit its power from proposed dams in northern
One potential line could come down the east side of
This is the shortest route, and Hydro CEO Bob Brennan says that has advantages. "Having said that, some people view the east side of the lake as a real pristine area," he says.
Some scientists believe the line could disrupt the migration patters of endangered species in the area, such as woodland caribou. A forest corridor could also open opportunities for new roads, mining, and logging operations.
Sensing the impending conflict between Manitoba Hydro and the First Nations, the provincial government began a consultation process called the East Side Planning Initiative.
"People on the east side were being left out," says Conservation Minister Stan Struthers. "For generations they've been left out."
Consultations went on for four years, while other signs appeared that discouraged supporters of the world heritage site proposal: Premier Gary Doer expressed an interest in reviving a power-sale deal with
Band Councillor Ed Hudson sat on the East Side Planning Initiative's task force. The group's latest report recommends the government play an active role in establishing the world heritage site – but it doesn't explicitly say no to hydro development.
"I don't know if [the recommendations] mean anything, but it's good to have them there, anyway," says
"Whether it gives me satisfaction or not, I don' t know, because they kind of do whatever they want to do anyhow, regardless of what people say."
Manitoba Hydro Minister Dave Chomiak says the provincial government and Manitoba Hydro support the application for world heritage status.
Chomiak says Manitoba Hydro is looking at other options for transmission lines – but he would not guarantee that no transmission line would be built on the east side of
The new line will begin at Gillam, in northern Manitoba, run west of Winnipegosis and Lake Manitoba and end at a new converter station east of Winnipeg.
The precise route for the $2-billion line will be determined after an environmental, design and public consultation process that is expected to take several years.
About three-quarters of Manitoba Hydro's electricity production is currently supplied through two transmission lines that run from Gillam to Winnipeg through the Interlake area.
BiPole III will provide a back-up to those lines and carry power from new planned generating stations to southern Manitoba.