PBCN, SaskPower Mediation Set For September

PBCN, SaskPower Mediation Set For September

Monday, June 07, 2010 at 15:21

An official with SaskPower is confirming that mediation is planned between the Crown utility and a northern First Nation over the construction of two dams several decades ago.

In the 1930s, flooding from the Island Falls and Whitesand dams impacted communities belonging to the Peter Ballantyne Cree Nation.

The band has said for years the impact of the flooding was very detrimental to the residents’ way of life.

PBCN Chief Darrell McCallum says he is hoping SaskPower comes through with some form of compensation so the matter doesn’t have to go through the courts.

SaskPower spokesman James Parker says he can’t get into the specifics of the situation, but acknowledges a meeting is planned.

However, Parker says it will likely happen in late September, and not later this month as initially thought.

He notes this type of meeting is mandatory in a civil action.