Madam Speaker, as Members know, the Northwest Territories Power Corporation and the
Dogrib Power Corporation are involved in a joint venture to develop a hydro dam at Snare Cascades. Once completed, the Power Corporation will lease and operate the facility as part of the Snare/Yellowknife system serving the city of Yellowknife, Royal Oak Mine, Miramar Con Mine, Rae-Edzo and Dettah.
I am pleased to report that the details of financing the project have been finalized; that the contractor is currently on site; that the manufacture of the turbine -- a major component of the dam -- is under way; and, that the engineering and design phases of this project are proceeding. Madam Speaker, construction of this multi-million dollar facility is scheduled to begin in April and I understand that a ground-breaking ceremony is scheduled for October 12th.
Madam Speaker, the Dogrib Nation, through the efforts of the Dogrib Power Corporation, deserve our congratulations for bringing this major project to its current state. By July, 1996, the customers served by the Snare/Yellowknife system can look forward to a new, environmentally-friendly source of hydro power that will assist in the development of the Northwest Territories. Thank you, Madam Speaker.
---Applause