Dear Members, I hope you are all enjoying the some spring weather. I am looking forward to the upcoming summer. Although there are a number of challenges for McLeod Lake Indian Band, we still continue to move forward on our goals outlined at the beginning of this term. Below is an update on some of our current projects as well as an update on BC Hydro’s Site C Project and the Northern Gateway Project.
Gas Station In late 2011 MLIB hired Dan Boudreau to start the process of a Comprehensive Feasibility Study to determine if it was economical to construct and operate a service station on MLIB Reserve lands in McLeod Lake or in Mackenzie. On January 29, 2012 MLIB received the completed feasibility study. Consultant Dan Boudreau recommended in favour of the facility in McLeod Lake, but deferred on the location in Mackenzie location because there were too many loose ends. As a result, Chief and Council have appointed a working committee and are applying for funding to cover expenses for surveying, soil testing and community consultation meetings. In addition will be seeking members interested in training in advance of operations. It is estimated that the next phase will cost between $30-‐50 thousand dollars.
Thompson Creek Load Out On March 13, 2012 I met with Terry Owens, Managing Director of Projects, and Chris McGoldrick, Project Manager for Mt. Milligan Mine. McLeod Lake Indian Band has been in discussions with Lomak and Thompson Creek to develop a load out facility in the Mackenzie Industrial Site. In August of 2011, McLeod Lake Indian Band partnered with KDL(Ben Hoi), Tanner Elton, and Dual Enterprise(Mike Jenks) to purchase 200 acres in Mackenzie Industrial Site. The land was purchased from BC Rail and was already appraised well over the purchase price. The purchased land has access to rail, power, and would be excellent spot for Thompson Creek’s load out. Although we are in discussions, nothing has been finalized yet. There are a number of details that need to be worked out, such as, necessary regulatory approvals, ownership of load out, capital cost responsibilities, right of ways, etc. McLeod Lake Indian Band believes all these issue can be resolved and all parties can reach a mutually beneficial terms moving forward.
Quality Wind MOU On February 28, 2012 McLeod Lake Indian Band Chief and Council signed and MOU with Quality Wind. The MOU provides contract and training opportunities well as an annual royalty.
Boat Launch McLeod Lake Indian Band is still waiting on the engineering plans for the boat launch from Radloff Engineering. Once we receive designs we will work towards starting project and hope to have it completed by late summer.
Cultural Camp McLeod Lake Indian Band has identified our War Lake parcel as a possible location for our Cultural Camp.
Enbridge Enbridge Gateway Pipelines has recently proposed an equity deal to McLeod Lake Indian Band to compensate us for impact and risk associated with construction and operation of proposed Northern Gateway Pipeline. Enbridge is offering McLeod Lake Indian Band and Equity opportunity which includes 10 business units, the possibility of a pumping station on reserve lands and construction opportunities. It is estimated that the Band could receive approximately $535,000 annually and in addition, contract opportunities.
BC Hydro On February 02, 2012 Seanna McConnell, Senior Negotiator, First Nation Engagement Team gave a Power Point Presentation to community Members in McLeod Lake. Seanna outlined BC Hydro’s position regarding the proposed Site “C” Project. Currently, BC Hydro is in the, Environmental Assessment, or 3rd stage of a 5 step process in the development of their project. The 4th Stage is procurement and the 5th stage is construction. McLeod Lake Indian Band has opposed this project from the very start. There is no doubt that we have already felt the significant negative impacts of dam projects within our Traditional Territory. The construction of WCB Bennett Dam in the late 1960’s had a devastating impact on our Land, Culture and way of life many of our Elders. Despite MLIB and the many other First Nations opposing Site “C”, the Government has announced their support publicly for the proposed development of the Dam. In addition, the Government, through the introduction of the “Clean Energy Act” have cleared the path to ensure that the construction of the dam is almost inevitable. BC Hydro are offering to negotiate an Impact Benefits Agreement with McLeod Lake Indian Band for the impacts that the proposed project will have on our Traditional Territory. Thank you all for your time and consideration. I look forward to seeing you all at the upcoming quarterly meetings for an update on these and many more topics. Sincerely Chief Derek Orr