Saskatchewan plan CA$ 1 billion hydro-electric dam

Canada's Saskatchewan First Nation is to construct a CA$ 1 billion (US$ 976 million) hydroelectric dam, according to local media reports.

The energy generated will provide power to other projects it has planned on its land, said the report. It added that the James Smith Cree Nation expects to build the MW 250 dam downstream where the North and South Saskatchewan rivers meet.

According to Chief Wally Burns investors for the CA$ 1 billion (US$ 976 million) project have already been lined up, said the report. Chief Burns added that officials from Saskatchewan Environment and SaskPower, as well as mayors from neighbouring areas, have all been briefed on the planned infrastructure investment.

Chief Burns was quoted as saying that the new dam would generate power for the SaskPower grid and for a proposed diamond mine in the area.

Chief Burns said the Saskatchewan First Nation is looking to engage a US contractor to carry out the work.