Prince George, B.C. – The electrification of highway 37 is not popular with everyone.  

 

The delegates to the Northern Municipal Association Convention have passed a resolution calling for the Province to carry on with the environmental programs and projects linked with construction of a power line. 

 

While the plan to build a 287 kv line from Terrace to Bob Quinn Lake is being pushed by mining companies and the Mining Association, the Chair of the Regional District of Kitimat- Stikine, Harry Nyce, says there are consequences.  “We’ve heard from some mining companies about the tailing ponds they plan to create, and we need to have a little more information and we need to slow down the process” says Nyce. He is concerned that while a decision on going forward with a project can be made in 120 days, “This is a lifetime for us, the land base is smack dab down the middle of our  territory.”  

Nyce says he and the Nisga’a are not opposed to the idea “but we need more time.” 

 

The Mayor of Smithers, Jim Davidson says the problem is , the project is at a dead stop right now, “We are just asking for support to get the government back to the table” Davidson says if the Province doesn’t start working on it now, another year of possible construction would be lost.

 

The construction of the power line had been a joint project between Nova Gold/Teck -Cominco and ther Province. The project was shelved when   Nova Gold/Teck- Cominco put their Galore Creek mine on hold.

 

Those who support the hydro line say this infrastructure would open up the north west area of the province and be a major economic driver.