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50-year-old power plant needs replacing: South Baffin MLA

South Baffin MLA David Joanasie wants to know why it's taking so long to get a new power plant in Cape Dorset.

'Cape Dorset's power plant is older than I am,' said David Joanasie

South Baffin MLA David Joanasie wants to know why it's taking so long to get a new power plant in Cape Dorset.

The community's proposal for the new plant was approved in 2011 but it still has not been built.

South Baffin MLA David Joanasie wants to know why it's taking so long to replace the 50-year-old power plant in Cape Dorset. (Courtesy David Joanasie)

Paul Okalik, the minister responsible for the Qulliq Energy Corporation, said they are working with the hamlet to find a location.

The current power plant was built in 1964 and Joanasie said it won't last long.

"It suffers from several deficiencies including failing building foundation, unreliable superstructure and aging systems and equipment," Joanasie told the legislature.

"Mr. Speaker, Cape Dorset's power plant is older than I am and might even be older than the minister himself."

Okalik said all they need to do is find a location to get the project started.