Ontario Waterpower Association
CANADA to help promote the initiative through collaborative communications and member companies have sponsored internship and other employment opportunities for aspiring engineers .
That same year , through a partnership with the Province of Ontario and Wabun Tribal Council , the OWA released the documentary “ Our Heritage Our Future ”. The film examines the benefits and challenges of building First Nation and industry collaboration in the context of developing waterpower opportunities on the Kapuskasing River in northeastern Ontario . Brunswick House First Nation , Chapleau Cree First Nation , Chapleau Ojibwe First Nation and the Town of Kapuskasing are all partners in these projects with the proponent Hydromega . This simple first hand sharing of the story has helped both industry and Aboriginal communities to better understand the business possibilities .
Most recently , attention has been focused on the Far North . With support of the Ministries of CANADA and Natural Resources and the Ontario Power Authority
the OWA commissioned an update of the hydraulic and economic potential of waterpower potential in the province ’ s Far North . The initiative builds upon the most recent inventory of the province ’ s waterpower resources ( 2005 ) at the time to support the preparation of the Integrated Power System Plan ( IPSP ). Key findings included :
• The Northeast has significant hydro potential
Ontario is fortunate to have significant , but as of yet , untapped waterpower potential on its major rivers in the Northeast part of the Province ( Moose / Albany River Basins ). The study reaffirms that several thousand MegaWatts ( MW ) are practical to develop . Realizing this potential will necessitate transmission upgrades and expansion and be co-planned with or led by Aboriginal communities . Importantly , the successful industry / First Nations partnerships in waterpower in the northeast ( e . g . Lower Mattagami , Kapuskasing River ) help establish a business foundation for this further expansion . www . owa . ca 149