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DAM-L [harmful-hydro] Grand Rapids Settlement: Winnipeg Free Press (fwd)

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Date: Sat, 28 Apr 2001 15:13:10 -0000
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Subject: [harmful-hydro] Grand Rapids Settlement: Winnipeg Free Press

Grand Rapids nets $7-M payout 

Compensation redresses fishing industry for damage caused by Hydro 
dam in 1960s

Sat, Apr 28, 2001


By Mia Rabson 

THE community of Grand Rapids received nearly $7 million yesterday as 
compensation for damage to its fisheries industry from construction 
of a Manitoba Hydro dam in the 1960s. 

But while the community celebrated, Grand Rapids Chief Douglas 
Ballantyne said this is only the beginning. 

"While I commend the province and Manitoba Hydro, I remind them this 
is only the end of this chapter," Ballantyne said, adding there are 
still many outstanding issues. "Hydro is challenged by the fact that 
this generating station still impacts the lives of my community 
daily." 

When the generating station went up at the junction of Cedar Lake and 
Lake Winnipeg, fish were prevented from going downstream. With severe 
changes in their habitat, it did not take long for the fish to 
vanish, creating hardship for a generation of fishers. Many now drive 
up to 80 miles a day just to land a decent day's catch. 

Fisheries is the only industry in Grand Rapids, except for Manitoba 
Hydro, and the loss of fish affected the entire community. 
Unemployment cheques are a regular part of life, and all around there 
is evidence of hardship, such as a half-built church on the 
lakeshore. 

Ballantyne said he wants his people to take Manitoba Hydro's profits 
from the dam. 

"Personally, I feel that the only true way to end this story is for 
Grand Rapids to become owners of this station," he said. 

Bob Brennan, president of Manitoba Hydro, agreed there needs to be 
more negotiating and possibly some sort of partnership with the 
community. But full ownership, he said, was not really in the realm 
of possibilities. 

"Wouldn't we all like to own the dam?" he said. 

Negotiations between Grand Rapids and Manitoba Hydro got off to a 
rocky start in April 1999, when residents set up a blockade on the 
road into the generating station. For five days, nobody could go in 
and out, as the community insisted their voice be heard. Manitoba 
Hydro told them to take their complaints to the courts. 

More than two years later, the same people were shaking hands with 
Manitoba Hydro in the Grand Rapids community centre. And nobody had 
to set foot in a courtroom. 

The agreement will see 93 active fishers, 50 retired or inactive 
fishers, and the families of 60 deceased fishers, receiving 
compensation based on the amount of years spent in the industry. 
Individual payments will range from $4,500 for less than five years, 
to $22,500 for more than 20 years. 

There will also be money for the local Fishermen's Co-op for economic 
development strategies, including generating new spawning grounds. 
And most of the $7 million will be invested to be used in future 
years to subsidize the fishers. 

Roland Beardy, 42, a fisher since he was 15, said he will use his 
share of the money to fix his boat and motor and buy some new nets. 
And he will also use some money to celebrate. 

"I hope it's going to be a big party," he said. 




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----- End of forwarded message from Donne Flanagan -----