Join us in opposing the construction of the Onimiki Hydro Electric Dam Project that threatens Lake Kipawa, the Kipawa River, and our local natural Environment. We are a group of concerned owners of cottages and residences, business owners and tourists in the Laniel area, who want to protect and preserve Lake Kipawa and the Kipawa River from overdevelopment and environmental degradation.
The proposed Onimiki North Hydro Electric Dam project would see up to 80% reduction in water flow from Strawberry Island to the Laniel Dam.
Some of the negative impacts of the Onimiki Project to Lake Kipawa and River Kipawa would be:
Increased Concentration of Pollutants:
With less water flow to dilute pollutants, concentrations of nutrients, bacteria, E-coli and other contaminants can increase, potentially leading to algal blooms and other water quality problems.
Elevated Water Temperatures:
Reduced flow can lead to higher water temperatures, which can stress aquatic life and decrease dissolved oxygen levels, potentially harming fish and other organisms.
Reduced Productivity:
Changes in water flow and habitat can reduce the overall productivity of the lake ecosystem, impacting the food available for fish and other organisms.
Impact on Human Activities:
Reduced water flow and resulting degradation of water quality can make fishing and swimming less enjoyable and accessible.
Specific impact on the Kipawa River:
In addition to the ecological impact, reduced water flow and level on the Kipawa River would be extremely detrimental for Whitewater kayaking and rafting. The Kipawa River is a world renowned destination for avid kayakers, and although the water flow would likely be increased during the Kipawa River festival held in June, it would be too low for the remainder of the summer for white water kayakers to enjoy.
Reducing the flow and level on the river would greatly diminish the magnitude of the waterfall at the Grande Chute featured on the Canadian Ten Dollar bills which is one of the major tourist attractions to both our community and Parc National d’Opémican.