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.
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.
Pekuakamiulnuatsh Takuhikan is the political and administrative organization of the Pekuakamiulnuatsh First Nation. For a number of years now, Pekuakamiulnuatsh Takuhikan has been working to promote the community’s development through a process of political, cultural, social and economic empowerment.
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.
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 Media Art and Technology 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.
Michel Tremblay has a background in electronics and mechanics, and worked in the lumber industry for seven years. He makes sure that our projects are completed according to schedule. His experience, organizational skills and diplomatic flair are leveraged to optimize teamwork at Développement PEK.
The team responsible for keeping plant operations running smoothly is made up of a group of operators, with the specific responsibility of maintaining electrical and mechanical equipment.
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
