On-time and on-budget is how Ontario Power Generation deputy project manager Sue Rapin describes the progress of construction at the hydro-electric dams north of Kapuskasing. She says the Little Long project is 90 per cent complete while Smoky Falls is at 40.
“So we are on track with our masters and our timelines,” she said. “Most of the work at Little Long will be done by the end of this year with demo and rehab next year. And Smokey is planned for completion in 2025 which is on track.”
Rapin says there are about 250 people working at the two locations with money also being spent within the area economy.
“I think our metrics on that are pretty amazing,” she said. “We’re 60 million dollars of spend on local and indigenous businesses for Little Long and we’re almost at 10 million for Smokey.”
Kap Mayor Dave Plourde says he is satisfied with the money spent at businesses in the region. Safety requirements and sluice gate improvements are part of the work.