The Innu First Nations of Mashteuiatsh, Essipit and Pessamit, together with EDF EN Canada Inc., a subsidiary of EDF Energies Nouvelles, announce the signing of an agreement concerning the Rivière-du-Moulin Wind Project in the Laurentides Wildlife Reserve, a territory of interest for the Innu First Nations.

The 20-year agreement provides a framework for business relations between the parties in the context of the Rivière-du-Moulin project, ensures favorable economic spinoffs to both parties and notably provides Innu First Nations with the option to acquire a financial interest in the project once both phases have been commissioned.

“This agreement with EDF EN Canada will help create benefits within our communities and will ultimately enable our First Nations to become partners in a major wind power project in Canada,” mentioned the chiefs of the three First Nations involved.

Alex Couture, Director, Project Development Quebec for EDF EN Canada, highlighted the signing of this agreement with the three Innu communities. “The outcome of our discussions paved the way for this agreement, which will generate benefits for both parties throughout the life of the project.”

For his part, EDF EN Canada Chief Operating Officer Al Kurzenhauser affirms that this signature is a display of confidence by the three Innu communities. “I would like to thank the three Chiefs for the relationship created and for their participation in what will be, once completed, the largest Canadian wind farm under a single Power Purchase Agreement.”

With a nameplate capacity of 350 MW, the Rivière-du-Moulin Wind Project is under construction in two stages: Phase I, 150 MW, to be commissioned December 1, 2014 and Phase II, 200 MW, due to come online December 1, 2015.