Yukon softens push for big new hydro dam
Public feedback prompts government to also consider solar or wind power
The Yukon government has bowed to public pressure in its efforts to find new sources of power for the territory.
Instead of just looking for one site to build a major new power dam, the government will now also look into alternative sources of power, such as wind or solar.
"Based on what we heard from First Nations, from stakeholders, and from the general public, this process has evolved," said Brad Cathers, the minister responsible for the Yukon Development Corporation and Yukon Energy.
Last year, the territory's "Next Generation Hydro" initiative came up with a list of six possible dam sites, designed to generate anywhere from 14 to 300 megawatts of power. The goal is to meet Yukon's power needs for at least the next 50 years.
All six sites are in the Stewart, Pelly and Liard river watersheds. They would all generate at least 54 megawatts of power and have capital costs ranging from under $1 billion to almost $3 billion.
Yukoners want more options
Cathers says public feedback on those six sites made it clear that Yukoners weren't satisfied. They wanted more options explored, including smaller-scale hydroelectric projects and other forms of renewable energy.
"All energy sources are options for Yukoners to choose from," Cathers said, but added that people should understand "the potential rate impact" of each option.
That's something that will be done as part of the ongoing project.
"We believe it's important for the Yukon Government and the boards of Yukon Develop [Corporation] and Yukon Energy — but most importantly, the general public — to understand the costs of the various energy choices for Yukon's long term needs," Cathers said.
"Our view is that hydro will still likely be an important part of the energy choices made by Yukoners for the future."
The Yukon Development Corporation will ultimately make a recommendation to cabinet of one or more potential projects. Construction of a dam wouldn't begin for at least a decade.
With files from Dave Croft