Corridors for Life

What is Corridors for Life?

The Corridors for Life (CFL) Program was developed by Great Lakes Power as a means to encourage environmental stewardship and ensure safe and reliable delivery of electricity along power line corridors in the Algoma Region.

Trees and shrubs grow naturally over time to a height that can interfere with safe line operation and can cause electrical interruptions. Traditionally, crews were sent out to remove these hazards by cutting trees and tall-growing shrubs, and applying herbicide spot treatments to slow their re-growth.

Recent studies on Species at Risk (SAR) living within the corridor indicated that standard Right-of-Way (ROW) maintenance practices were having a negative effect on the overall health and condition of this species. The Corridors for Life project was initiated to further investigate SAR and wildlife habitat along the power line corridors.

Have you seen a Species at Risk?

Click here for a list of Species at Risk. Click here for contact information.

What are we doing?

• The Corridors for Life team is developing a list of all plant and animal species associated with power line rights-of-way and recommending the planting of species native to the Algoma Region.
• New vegetation management methods include planting wildflowers and low-growing shrubs that would improve habitat for SAR and other wildlife, but will not grow tall enough to interfere with power lines.
• Great Lakes Power (GLP), with the help of local botanists, is developing a new manual for vegetation management and identification, specific to the Algoma Region.

How Can I Help?

The idea of environmental stewardship means it is the responsibility of all Canadians to maintain, preserve, and protect natural values and ecosystems so that we may enjoy clean air and water for generations to come. Power lines are used as corridors for wildlife and people. When exploring and enjoying these areas, please remember these helpful hints:

• While travelling by ATV, mountain bike, or other vehicle, stay on established trails to protect vegetation and wildlife habitat.
• Avoid travelling through muddy areas on trails, which increases rutting and erosion. Damage to trails may prevent power line workers from efficiently responding to trouble on the line.
• Use bridges to cross all waterways. Driving through streams and creeks increases sedimentation and damages aquatic environments.
• If you see any SAR (Click here for a list), please call your local OMNR or local First Nation community (Click here for a list of contacts).
  

Corridor for Life Partners

Great Lakes Power, Brookfield Renewable Power, Algoma Power Inc., Environment Canada, NORDIK (Northern Ontario Research, Development, Ideas, Knowledge), Batchewana First Nation, Garden River First Nation, Thessalon First Nation Tree Nursery, Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources, Great Lakes Forestry Centre (GLFC), Northern Ontario Plant Database, and Sault College of Applied Arts and Technology.