In 1990, Société Hydro-Ilnu was created with a mandate to assess the hydroelectric potential of rivers located on the ancestral territory of the Pekuakamiulnuatsh First Nation, Nitassinan. The analysis identified two rivers with interesting potential: the Mistassibi and the Métabetchouane. In the end, the Mistassibi River was chosen, and nine years later, the Minashtuk run-of-river hydroelectric facility began its operations.
In 2007, driven by a desire to create a new model for the development of renewable energies in the Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean region, Pekuakamiulnuatsh Takuhikan joined forces with the MRCs de Maria-Chapdelaine and Domaine-du-Roy to create the Société de l’énergie communautaire du Lac-Saint-Jean. This partnership between Indigenous and non-Indigenous people was unique in Quebec and gave rise to the Val-Jalbert mini-hydropower project on Ouiatchouan River and the Onzième Chute mini-hydropower project of the Mistassini River. The projects generated new sources of income for the partners.
Following the success of these projects, Pekuakamiulnuatsh Takuhikan positioned itself as a partner of choice in community energy projects. Développement PEK was created to pursue the development of the community’s energy sector, thereby fostering growth in the community’s independent revenues while acting as a service provider for partner companies.
To find out more about the Pekuakamiulnuatsh Takuhikan energy chain, we invite you to watch this video by clicking here.
For thousands of years, the Pekuakamiulnuatsh have inhabited a vast territory that extends beyond the Pekuakami (Lac Saint-Jean) watersheds. Before the arrival of Europeans, they traded with other Indigenous nations from north to south and east to west. Today, oral tradition bears witness to the undeniable historical presence of the Pekuakamiulnuatsh on Nitassinan (“our territory”), if only through the countless place names.
For thousands of years, the Pekuakamiulnuatsh have inhabited a vast territory that extends beyond the Pekuakami (Lac Saint-Jean) watersheds. Before the arrival of Europeans, they traded with other Indigenous nations from north to south and east to west. Today, oral tradition bears witness to the undeniable historical presence of the Pekuakamiulnuatsh on Nitassinan (“our territory”), if only through the countless place names.
LEARN MOREThanks to its multifaceted expertise, our team ensures the success and quality of the various projects in which they are involved.
An engineering graduate of Université Laval, Marc Morin has over 30 years’ experience in project management and energy production in the private and community sectors. He has extensive experience in the development, engineering, construction and operation of hydroelectric projects in Canada and abroad, notably with Pekuakamiulnuatsh Takuhikan, for whom he has worked since 1998 on the Minashtuk, Val-Jalbert and Onzième Chute mini-hydropower projects.
A graduate of Université Laval in applied sciences, Stéphane Guay also holds a certificate in human resources management and administration. Mr. Guay has extensive experience in managing hydroelectric project operations. Since 2004, he has been responsible for planning and coordinating maintenance work on the various pieces of electrical and mechanical equipment. He manages a work team assigned to the four existing plants. Our team works with a human-centred and safe approach, with great respect for health and safety regulations in the workplace.
Ms. Lavoie holds a bachelor’s degree in accounting and a specialized graduate diploma in accounting from the Université du Québec à Chicoutimi, and is a member of the Ordre des comptables professionnels agréés du Québec. Since 2016, she has been managing, planning, organizing and controlling the financial activities of Développement PEK and the projects in which the organization is involved. She’s conscientious and has a keen interest in the smooth running of the organization.
Luc Tardif is an engineer with over 30 years’ experience on industrial sites. He participated in the development and implementation of the Val-Jalbert and Onzième Chute hydroelectric projects. He is now supporting Développement PEK to continue his involvement in renewable energy project management.
Oscar is an engineer with a master’s degree in engineering from École de Technolgie Supérier (ÉTS). He’s an experience project manager in renewable energy project development with over 13 years of experience in wind and solar project development. He has worked in Canada, the Unites States and Latin America. He has extensive experience in development, design, technology selection and construction.
Maryse Garneau has over 35 years’ experience as an administrative assistant in the engineering field. Her experience, thoroughness and secretarial skills make her an expert in her field. She acts as a resource person for board members, sponsors, shareholders and partners of Développement PEK’s client companies.
Diane Launière has been part of the team since 2012. With experience as both a site and office administrative assistant, she has in-depth knowledge of our projects. Through her structured work methods and positive attitude, she carries out all the day-to-day operations related to accounting in an exemplary manner.
Daniel Migneault has over 20 years’ experience in the world of media and communications. With a diploma in Art et technoogies des médias from the Cégep de Jonquière and a bachelor’s degree from Université TÉLUQ, he has a keen understanding of societal issues, bringing him to provide sound advice. His versatility, curiosity, attention to detail and desire to pass on accurate information are all trademarks of his daily work.
Karine Paul holds a degree in administrative techniques. Over the course of her career, she has accumulated a number of responsibilities and has several years’ experience in various functions within the community of Mashteuiatsh, such as workforce development coordinator and assistant to the general manager. She makes a positive contribution to the administration of our client companies.
Marie-Claude Paul holds a diploma in office technology and has accumulated over 15 years’ experience with Pekuakamiulnuatsh Takuhikan. She works closely with Développement PEK employees, board members, sponsors, shareholders and corporate partners. Thanks to her methodical approach, she coordinates administrative tasks efficiently.
The team responsible for the smooth running of power plant plant operations is made up of a assistant operations manager and a group of operators, electricians and supervisors with particular responsibility for the operation and maintenance of electrical and mechanical equipment. Team members are:
Développement PEK's activities are overseen by a Board of Directors made up of the following members
Alain Nepton
President
Marc Morin
Vice-President and General Manager
Denis Taillon
Secretary-Treasurer
Réjean Launière
Director
Adam Lapointe
Director