Caption: From left, David McLaren, President of Onimiki Renewable Energy, Claire Bolduc, Prefect of the MRC de Témiscamingue, Chief Lisa Robinson of Wolf Lake First Nation and Chief Lance Haymond of Kebaowek First Nation. Chieg Gilbert Dominique of Pekuakamiulnuatsh First Nation was present virtually. (Photo: Onimiki Renewable Energy)
KEBAOWEK, MARCH 18, 2025 – The Onimiki Renewable Energy partners remain firmly committed to the successful completion of the Temiscamingue community hydroelectric projects (Onimiki Project). They are confident that it is feasible to utilize the resources within their territory in a respectful manner to leverage new development opportunities.
The Onimiki Project has evolved since the partnership between Kebaowek First Nation, Wolf Lake First Nation, the MRC de Témiscamingue and the Pekuakamiulnuatsh First Nation was announced in July 2022. Two hydroelectric generating stations would be built: a 60 MW Onimiki North station on the shores of Lake Témiscamingue (about 30 km north of Témiscaming and 15 km southwest of Laniel) and the 7 MW Onimiki South station in Témiscaming.
“We are convinced that it is possible to develop a project that will respect our sacred territory. First Nations are well placed to make decisions about the development of their territory. Once we’ve gone through all the stages, we’ll be able to make the right decisions. The impacts of the project must be acceptable to our people. Our common goal is to develop the Onimiki Project while striking a balance between development and protection,” says Chief Lance Haymond of Kebaowek First Nation.
“For a long time, First Nations were mere spectators to the development of their territory and never ceded their rights. Today, the situation is changing. We are developing the Onimiki Project with our partners with confidence, because we are in the driver’s seat. It’s a project by us, for us. We have a duty to ensure that it is well developed,” said Chief Lisa Robinson of Wolf Lake First Nation.
“The Onimiki Project represents a tremendous opportunity for us all to work together to develop Temiscamingue and revitalize our territory. We’re paving the way for future projects. This is more important than ever in the current difficult context. The recreational tourism industry is just as important to our regional development. We believe it is possible to propose a project that will take all aspects into account,” said Claire Bolduc, Prefect of MRC de Témiscamingue.
“The energy sector developed by the Pekuakamiulnuatsh First Nation is a source of pride for our people. The community hydroelectric projects we have developed with our partners are examples of responsible resource use that benefits our entire community. We are equally proud to share the expertise developed through the community energy model with new partners within Onimiki Renewable Energy,” said Chief Gilbert Dominique of the Pekuakamiulnuatsh First Nation.
The partners are listening to the concerns of the people, particularly those related to the Parc national d’Opémican, the importance of maintaining Lake Kipawa levels and changes to the management of discharge into the Kipawa River. They are closely following the project’s development and have mandated people to sit on Onimiki Renewable Energy’s Board of Directors to look after their interests. They have every confidence in the project team to ensure that all issues are adequately addressed.
“One of our mandates is to ensure that all the necessary environmental studies are carried out to properly assess the impacts, so that decisions can be made with full knowledge of the facts. This is what we are currently doing. We’re also continuing our information and consultation process. We’re inviting people to get informed, to come and meet us and talk with us. This allows us to improve the project so that it fits in well with the local area. All stages are rigorously followed to present the best possible project,” said David McLaren, President of Onimiki Renewable Energy.
About Onimiki Renewable Energy L.P.
Onimiki Renewable Energy L.P. is a limited partnership formed to develop the Temiscamingue hydroelectric power project. The project is on a 100% community basis, which means that all revenues will be shared by public partners. The limited partnership is made up of four partners: Kebaowek First Nation, Wolf Lake First Nation, the MRC de Témiscamingue and Pekuakamiulnuatsh Takuhikan.
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