The Yukon Party is asking Energy, Mines and Resources Minister John Streicker for an update on the Atlin Hydro Project after the passing of last month’s deadline set by the Tlingit Homeland Energy Limited Partnership (THELP).

In a November 2022 interview with CBC Yukon, the official Opposition noted Feb. 7, a consultant with THELP said if more funding was not secured by January, it would put the project in jeopardy.

Questions asked last fall revealed the project had ballooned in cost from $120.7 million in 2019 to $230 million in the spring of 2022, and then to about $310 million as of November 2022.

During the fall sitting of the legislature, Streicker said the Atlin project was now facing a $60-million shortfall, and all funding partners were re-evaluating how much to put in to close the funding gap.

The minister needs to provide updated cost estimates and timelines.

“It is now February, and there has been no announcement regarding the funding shortfall for the Atlin project,” said Scott Kent, the Yukon Party’s Energy, Mines and Resources critic.

“Amidst the growing concerns surrounding the project, such as increased construction costs, Yukon Utility Board assessment of increased rates and project funding shortfalls, Yukoners have expressed concern over the viability of the project.”

Streicker said last fall the project was a good one for the government to invest in.

“New media reports suggest the project lacked proper oversight, as the former THELP president and CEO has been named in court filings alleging misappropriation of funds,” the Yukon Party pointed out.

“The minister now needs to confirm how much of Yukoners’ and ratepayers’ money has been spent to date, what funds may be included in the alleged amount, what financial controls are in place, and if he still holds the same optimism about the project.”

“Yukoners are justifiably concerned about the recent revelations involving the former head of THELP,” added Kent. “Yukoners are looking for guarantees that appropriate financial controls on the millions in promised funding are in place and that previously transferred funding can be recovered if the project fails to move ahead.”

In a letter to the Star published last month, Yukon Party Leader Currie Dixon outlined the need for viable alternatives amid the growing concerns around the Liberal government’s energy plan.

Dixon highlighted the necessity of revisiting the B.C. grid connection as a solution to the Yukon’s energy needs.

Cabinet communications staff were asked to respond to the Yukon Party’s concerns.

“The Yukon government supports the Taku River Tlingit’s Atlin Hydro expansion project as an important initiative to help meet the growing energy needs of the territory,” the staff said in a statement issued Feb. 8.

“The project is identified in the Yukon Energy Corp.’s 10-year renewable electricity plan, which the Yukon Party endorsed in 2021 but now no longer supports.

“The Yukon government is actively working with the Taku River Tlingit First Nation, the Government of British Columbia and the Government of Canada to identify funding to advance the project,” the statement concluded.