Hydro-Quebec has officially announced plans for its first-ever project in southern James Bay — the diversion of the Megiscane River, a tributary of the Bell and Nottaway.

The Megiscane now flows northwards. If Hydro gets a green light, the first 125 kilometres of the river will be diverted southward into the Gouin Reservoir and the St. Maurice River. Construction is to start next year.

The flow of the Bell River, used for fishing by many people from Waswanipi, would be reduced by 20 per cent, according to Hydro’s calculations. The Nottaway would be reduced by 6 per cent and the flow out of Lake Matagami would fall 8 per cent.

Also affected would be Lake Megiscane, about 125 kilometres south of Waswanipi. The lake’s water level would be raised by 1.5 metres, enough to flood 12 square kilometres. The flooding may affect Cree burial sites and an old Hudson’s Bay Co. post where Crees traded in the 19th century.

Hydro submitted the project to Quebec’s Ministry of Environment last November for approval. For the moment, Hydro envisages no public hearings, even though the Megiscane River is entirely within Category III land and Hydro admits the project will impact Cree rivers.

The utility says the environmental procedures under the James Bay and Northern Quebec Agreement don’t apply because the dams and dykes will be built on Attikamekw land.

But the Crees of Senneterre and Waswanipi report a long history in the Megiscane River area and places well to the south. Mistissini Crees also have a history here. Senneterre Cree land extends as far east as Clova April 24, 1998

and Parent, south of the Gouin Reservoir.

Before going ahead with the Megiscane project, Hydro may be forced to settle long-standing grievances over the Gouin project, built in the 1950’s. That project is still a sticky issue for local Attikamekw and Crees who were never compensated. The massive Gouin Reservoir is just on the other side of the height of land separating the watersheds of James Bay and the St. Lawrence.

“We had no compensation for the Gouin Reservoir,” said Roger Chachai, a member of the Obedjiwan band council. “There was great flooding. It was a big mess.”

Chachai said 15 to 20 Attikamekw trappers will be affected by the latest project. He confirmed that Crees and also Algonquins have a history in the area.

At a recent meeting in the community, local trappers asked utility officials about the impacts on animals, fish and the environment, but they didn’t get any answers. Hydro is still studying the impacts.

Chachai said the community wants to meet with Crees and Algonquins to discuss what to do about the project.

Also opposing the project is Senneterre Mayor Gerard Lafontaine, who said it will harm tourismoutfitters, forestry operations, summer camps, as well as Native people. Lafontaine said the projectrequires his town’s consent because the entire area where the project will be built stretching to theGouin Reservoir was recently incorporated into the municipality of Senneterre.

“I have a very negative view of it,” Lafontaine said. “Before doing anything, they should talk to us.”

The mayor said residents of Matagami and Lebel-sur-Quevillon are also concerned.