ERMINESKIN -- The Ermineskin Cree Nation is expressing concern regarding the consultation process for the proposed Radiant Ridge power plant and data centre project located near Ermineskin Reserve 138.
In a statement, the Cree Nation says they became aware of the project through independent means rather than through direct notification from the project proponent or its consultants. They note that despite their reserve being located immediately adjacent to the proposed project area, they were not contacted prior to the project moving forward in the regulatory process.
"Our concern is not necessarily whether the project should be approved or denied," reads the statement from the ECN. "Our concern is whether Ermineskin Cree Nation was given a meaningful opportunity to participate and provide input at the stage when consultation was intended to occur."
In response to these developments, the ECN has contacted the Alberta Utilities Commission for clarification on consultation requirements and has engaged directly with the project consultant and project representatives. Through this engagement, the Cree Nation says that project representatives have acknowledged shortcomings in the consultation process and have expressed regret.
The Radiant Ridge project seeks to house on-site natural gas power generation co-located with modular, hydrocooled data centres at local gas production fields. The Cree Nation says they continue to assess available options and will keep community members informed as discussions progress.
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