Tribe in Canada Will Use Wind Energy to Power 30,000 Homes
The First Nation community of Beardy’s and Okemasis has agreed with the alternative energy company SkyPower to develop a large wind park. It will be known as the Willow Cree Wind Project. According to the primary source for this article, construction of the park might begin as soon as 2010. The turbines will be built on approximately 12,000 acres of land located near Big Quill, a community near the town of Wynyard, Saskatchewan. The planned wind park will produce 100 megawatts of energy, enough to power 30,000 homes per year.
Chief Rick Gamble elaborated upon the other benefits that the Willow Cree Wind Project will provide. He is quoted as saying,
We chose to partner with SkyPower because of their extensive experience in wind development with First Nations. Moreover, the Willow Cree Wind Project will generate a reliable source of local benefits, including job training programs, employment for the local community, as well as have a positive impact on local tourism. The proposed development will be an important driver of local economic development for years to come.
The tribe’s partner SkyPower is the largest alternative energy company in Canada. One of its more notable projects is in Ontario. SkyPower commenced construction earlier this year on what it claims will be the largest solar park in North America. If all goes as planned, it will be finished late next year.
