Hydro-Quebec authorized to repair navigation beacon

10/12/2022

The Mohawk Council of Kahnawà:ke (MCK) wishes to inform the community that work to install new electrical power supply to the Hydro-Québec tower on the North Wall has been authorized by the Council of Chiefs. The navigation beacon on top of the tower is required by Nav Canada to warn aircraft of the tall structure.

The installation of the electrical wire is required to ensure the navigation beacon is returned to operating condition.

“The power-supply wire was accidentally removed in 2020, during the Hydro-Québec Dismantlement Project,” said Lindsay LeBorgne, who is on the Infrastructure & Transport Portfolio team. “In the interest of safety for the community, and air traffic in the area, we approved the installation of this feeder line to the tower on the North Wall.”

Important note: The new distribution line will be erected for public safety purposes and, by keeping it in the Line 1 easement, Hydro-Québec will stay completely within the existing right of way. No additional land will need to be accessed for this work. A site monitor from Kahnawà:ke will be present, in case historical or other artifacts are found/uncovered.

The work, which includes the reinstallation of several Hydro poles, is expected to begin in 2023, as there is still engineering work to be completed. In the interim, a beacon will be installed which will be powered by solar panels. This is only a temporary solution since the light is not as brilliant as one powered by electricity and cannot be synchronized with the other beacons in the area.