Communities along the proposed routes of the Yukon-B.C. grid connection project are not all in agreement, as per the Ross River Dena Council’s Chief, Dylan Loblaw. The Yukon Development Corporation highlighted the approximately $4 billion megaproject at the Geoscience Forum in Whitehorse earlier this week, even though it is still in the distant future, as noted by Premier-designate Currie Dixon. Despite this, there is excitement within the mining industry and various levels of government.
Prime Minister Mark Carney recently included the grid connection project in his list of “nation-building” endeavors. While Ottawa allocated $40 million for a pre-feasibility study, the only new funding announced was $139 million for B.C. Hydro to assess the North Coast Transmission Line, which the Yukon link would eventually link to. Gary Gazankas, the president of the Yukon Development Corporation, emphasized the significance of partnerships with affected First Nations and the potential for co-ownership of infrastructure in the future.
Chief Loblaw disputed the notion that all affected communities are supportive of the project, highlighting that the Ross River Kaska Nation did not back this type of initiative. The feasibility study by the Crown corporation identified two potential transmission lines splitting at Watson Lake, traveling north to Faro and then west to Whitehorse, ending at the Takhini substation. Loblaw expressed concerns that the grid tie project primarily aims to power mines, such as the Casino project, potentially causing land harm and lacking true partnership and reconciliation.
The Taku River Tlingit First Nation also raised concerns about the recognition of their rights and title during ongoing negotiations. They aim to actively participate in the process to ensure their perspectives are prominent in discussions and benefit all Yukoners while safeguarding their land claims. The transmission lines could electrify diesel-reliant communities, potentially including Ross River, Watson Lake, Upper Liard, and Lower Post, leading to job creation and the territory becoming an energy exporter.
The grid connection project is crucial for the Casino project’s future development, which would significantly increase copper production and require more power than the current grid can provide. The initiative could also contribute to defence efforts by supplying critical minerals. Defence Minister David McGuinty highlighted the dual-use nature of the project, serving both civilians and the military to reduce diesel fuel reliance in Yukon. Gazankas emphasized that the grid connection would substantially decrease territorial greenhouse gas emissions, offsetting an estimated nine million tonnes of CO2, equivalent to 120,000 tanker trucks of gasoline.