Onimiki Renewable Energy’s partners have visited the Kipawa River over the past few days.
The Kebaowek First Nation, the Wolf Lake First Nation, and the MRC de Témiscamingue were represented during the visit. This was the second event of its kind organized by Onimiki Renewable Energy in the past two years.
It should be noted that ongoing environmental studies will determine whether the ecological flow rate of 15 m³/s for the Kipawa River is adequate to maintain biodiversity.
“It was important for our partners to understand what the proposed ecological flow entails. The environmental studies currently underway are being conducted by experts in their field. This will give our partners a complete picture and enable them to make informed decisions to ensure that the project is well integrated into the environment,” said David McLaren, President of Onimiki Renewable Energy.
The facts
- The project evaluation process is ongoing. Studies and analyses are being conducted by experts at CIMA+ in preparation for the environmental impact assessment, which will begin in the coming months;
- Discussions on maintaining an aesthetic flow rate at certain times of the year will take place once the ecological flow rate has been confirmed based on the results of environmental analyses
- A community flow could be determined in consultation with the community to allow certain activities at specific times, for example, whitewater activities;
- Onimiki Renewable Energy remains attentive to the community and continues its information and consultation process to integrate local knowledge and respond to concerns.