A report by the Mining Association of British Columbia estimates a power line along Highway 37, from Terrace, B.C., north through Dease Lake, could create thousands of jobs and billions in investment.
According to the report on the electrification of the Highway 37 corridor, 10 possible mining projects with the potential to attract more than $15 billion in investment would benefit from a northwest power line.
The report also predicts the line would bring 10,700 jobs to the area and generate $300 million in annual tax revenues.
Mining Association president Pierre Gratton says the report makes a strong case for First Nations, governments and industry to work together on a project that could spur mining, tourism and clean power initiatives in the region.
The Northern Development Initiative Trust backs the proposal and it also has qualified support from the Tahltan Nation and the Gitxsan Hereditary Chiefs -- as long as further work is done to identify potential social, cultural and environmental impacts.
The 517-kilometre line, which is expected to cost around $600 million and generate in excess of 2,000 megawatts each year, could also be fed power from other northwest sources, ranging from hydro and wind power to geothermal power.
With a report from The Canadian Press
