Iqaluit council withholds support for proposed hydro dam

Iqaluit city council voted this week not to write a letter of support for the Qulliq Energy Corp. hydroelectric project being proposed near the Nunavut capital.

The power utility asked council last month to show support as it seeks federal infrastructure funding for a five megawatt hydro dam and transmission line it wants to build at Janyes Inlet, just outside the city.

But five of the six councillors present at Tuesday night's council meeting voted against getting behind Qulliq Energy's proposal in its current form.

"I don't think that we should be writing a letter of support to QEC. I think we should be writing them a letter indicating that we are disappointed," said Coun. Glenn Williams, a vocal critic of the hydro proposal.

Williams added that he's frustrated with the utility for not consulting the city and giving council enough information about the proposal.

Only Coun. Simon Nattaq voted in favour of writing a letter of support.

Speaking in Inuktitut, Nattaq told council he believes the project would be good for the city. He added that he wants Qulliq Energy to appear before council and answer questions that members may have.

May reconsider

Mayor Elisapee Sheutiapik said she will invite Qulliq Energy executives to address council on Sept. 22. Council may change its mind after that, she added.

"Once they come as a delegation, council will then, if need be, write a letter of support," Sheutiapik said.

But Williams said he isn't even sure if hydroelectricity is the right form of energy for Iqaluit, which currently relies on diesel-generated power.

"I would also like to see hydro compared with nuclear and with hydrogen generators," he said.

Officials with Qulliq Energy were not available to comment on Wednesday.

The hydroelectric dam is currently estimated to cost up to $200 million.