April 2024
Signature of a 30-year power purchase agreement with Hydro-Québec
Innergex Renewable Energy Inc., the Regional County Municipality of Lotbinière and the Abenaki Councils of Odanak and Wôlinak are pleased to announce the signing of a 30-year power purchase agreement with Hydro-Québec for the electricity to be generated by the 100 MW community wind power project.
« The signing of this long-term contract with Hydro-Québec marks a significant milestone in the project’s progress. By producing reliable, competitively priced wind energy, we will contribute to strengthening the stability of the power grid while meeting Quebec’s growing energy needs. This agreement underscores our determination to support the ambitions of Canadian utilities in the energy transition, while guaranteeing ongoing revenues for our project, » said Michel Letellier, President and Chief Executive Officer of Innergex.
« The signing of the power purchase agreement with Hydro-Québec marks the culmination of a long administrative process conducted in concert with our partners, and sets in motion the actual development of the project by ensuring with the community that it is socially acceptable, both to the citizens and to the various organizations and associations concerned, all in order to meet the growing demand for renewable energy, » says Daniel Turcotte, Prefect of the RCM of Lotbinière.
« We are pleased to see the progress of our project, which is important for the prosperity of future generations, and which also recognizes our role as guardians of the Ndakina, our ancestral territory. We will continue to be involved to ensure territorial development that respects our values and traditions, » said Rick O’Bomsawin, Chief of the Abenaki Council of Odanak.
« I’m very proud to see our project reach this important milestone. It allows us to look forward to significant economic benefits for the W8banaki Nation, and the continuation of a fruitful collaboration with our partners at Innergex and the RCM of Lotbinière towards a sustainable and inclusive energy transition, » said Michel R. Bernard, Chief of the Abenaki Council of Wôlinak.
The long-term power purchase agreement is structured as a take-or-pay contract, indexed to a predefined percentage of the Consumer Price Index (“CPI”), ensuring financial stability and protection against inflation.
On January 26, 2024, the Lotbinière Ndakina wind project was selected in Hydro-Québec’s call for tenders. Upon commercial commissioning, scheduled in late 2028, the project will generate enough electricity to power the equivalent of 20,000 households.
Construction of the Lotbinière Ndakina wind project will require the creation of around 200 jobs and will involve the participation of local and regional businesses. Long-term, permanent, skilled jobs will also be created during the operating period.
Interconnection and collector system costs will be reimbursed by Hydro-Québec when the facility is commissioned.
The project is subject to the execution of contracts with suppliers, and to the successful completion of permit application processes and regulatory requirements.
2024-2025 CODES OF PRACTICE NOW AVAILABLE
You can now access the codes of practice online right here.
Prefer a paper version?
Copies are available at the Council reception desk.
March 2024
February 2024
January 2024
UQAM is offering four reserved spots for indigenous students aged 21 and older, with the equivalent of two years of professional experience or indigenous social engagement. Check the admission requirements and selection process here.
Application deadline: March 1, 2024
For further information, contact [email protected], specifying “Admission based on indigenous experiences” in the subject line.
December 2023
IMPORTANT MESSAGE
Currently, there is misinformation circulating regarding the territorial claims of our Nation. It’s true that an offer from the federal government was accepted by the Abenaki of Odanak Band Council last June. However, it’s important to recognize the complexity of a territorial claims process:
- Finalization and ratification of the agreement: Currently, the federal government is actively working to finalize the agreement resulting from the acceptance. This step is essential to ensure the strength and clarity of the agreed-upon terms. Once the agreement is finalized, a ratification process will be initiated.
- Citizens’ assembly: Subsequently, a citizens’ assembly will be organized with the main objective of providing detailed explanations about the nature of the territorial claim and providing a comprehensive update on the situation. This meeting will also serve to gather the opinions of community members.
- Consultation on fund usage: During this assembly, you will be consulted to determine how the funds resulting from the agreement should be used or invested. This approach aims to ensure that decisions reflect the aspirations and needs of our community.
- Communication of the assembly date: Rest assured that the date of the consultation assembly will be communicated to you as soon as the Abenaki of Odanak Band Council has all the necessary information to hold it.