Northern Canadian Kivalliq hydro-fiber link project gets major support from the CanNor (Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency) to proceed with the study to implement fiber optic links in the region. As part of the project, a feasibility study is planned to advance the planning the nature and route of the hydroelectric-fiber optic link connecting Manitoba and Kivalliq region of Nunavut in Northern Canada.
The Canadian Government has plans to tap the potentials hiding in its Northern regions. The economic potentials in the Kivalliq region of Nunavut are tremendous. Local residents in the region are also thinking to grow and improve their communities beyond a dependency on expensive fossil fuels for heat and electricity. Currently, the region makes use of Satellites for communication, which is very expensive. In order to support the cause of the region, the Government authorities have decided to provide a fund of Canadian dollar 1.6 million to conduct a study for the Kivalliq Hydro-Fibre Project.
This “Inuit-led project” will provide long-term benefits to the entire territory. The new fiber optic link is aimed not only to provide high-speed internet to the communities but to the overall communication enhancement to the region that would benefit the mining and related businesses.
A fund of over Canadian dollar 1.6 million was announced by Yvonne Jones, (the Parliament Secretary to the Minister of Intergovernmental and Northern Affairs and Internal Trade) on behalf of the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development. Navdeep Bains is also responsible for CanNor.
The study for the hydro-fiber link will look at the feasibility of a main 230 kV power transmission for a distance of up to 1200 kilometers. Apart from the high voltage line, several Low and Medium-voltage transmission lines, and a fiber optic line is also planned. Optical fibers due to their dielectric nature can be laid along with the electric transmission lines. Optical fiber communication is not affected by electrical transmission. These lines would connect from Northern Manitoba and serve five Kivalliq communities as well as Agnico Eagle Mines, a major employer in the region. The project team will gather technical data, do the design work and calculate the cost for the project implementation apart from listing the right of ways and the role of the Government and other stakeholders.
A fiber optic connectivity by establishing the hydro-fiber link to Nunavut’s Kivalliq region would bring clean energy and broadband internet to those communities. This project has the potential to increase economic opportunities, expand mining in the region and provide a source of clean energy for everyone.
Minister Navdeep Bains told that the Canadian Government supports this project which will examine the development of a hydro-fiber link and the benefits it could bring to Inuit in the Kivalliq region. Bringing new economic development to the North, increased connectivity, and clean energy are key goals for the Government.
CanNor will invest C$ 1,628,900 over two years in the Kivalliq Hydro-Fibre Link study, with the project partners, the Kivalliq Inuit Association and Anbaric Development Partners, contributing an additional C$818,168.
The Kivalliq Inuit Association represents Inuit in the region, from the communities of Arviat, Whale Cove, Rankin Inlet, Chesterfield Inlet, Baker Lake, Naujaat, and Coral Harbour.
Kivalliq Hydro-Fibre Link would connect five Kivalliq communities: Arviat, Whale Cove, Rankin Inlet, Chesterfield Inlet, and Baker Lake, as well as Agnico Eagle Mines Ltd.’s two operating gold mines, to hydro and fiber optic networks in Gillam, Manitoba.
The Kivalliq Hydro-Fibre Link is an Inuit-led project that will deliver renewable energy and broadband service to underserved remote communities while enabling the region’s mining sector to flourish.
Key Figures of the Project
Expected Life: 60 years
Cost To Build: $1.2 billion
Energy Supply Costs: 50% Lower than current production cost
Broadband Supply Cost Versus Satellite: 50% lower
Internet Download Speeds: 3000% faster than current speeds
Internet Upload Speeds: 1000% faster than current speeds
The Kivalliq Inuit Association is a fully elected body which represents the interests of all Inuit in the Kivalliq region, acts as an advocacy group and administers provisions of the Nunavut Final Agreement. The KIA’s mission is to represent, in a fair and democratic manner, Inuit of the Kivalliq region in the development, protection, administration, and advancement of their rights and benefits as an Indigenous people; as well as to promote their economic, social, political, and cultural well being through succeeding generations.
Anbaric creates and builds the electric businesses of the future. Anbaric’s financial partner is the Ontario Teachers’ Pension Plan. With a focus on transmission and distributed energy, Anbaric creates new entities that transform old energy systems into more effective and resilient ones with an emphasis on clean energy.
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