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Cartwright council seeks better relationship with Nalcor as transformers set to roll through

There is not a lot of noise in Cartwright as the first four 200-tonne transformers destined for the Muskrat Falls project sit at its marine centre. Last year people in the town voted to stage a protest and block the transformers when they rolled through its streets, but this time just a handful of people in the town have spoken out so far.

"The meeting with our provincial government and the three aboriginal groups certainly tamed the flames," Cartwright Mayor Dwight Lethbridge told CBC News, referring to the marathon meeting that took place late last year to address concerns about the methylmercury that will be released when the Muskrat Falls reservoir is flooded.

"It is my understanding … that there have been some steps made to try and follow the spirit of that agreement with regards to getting crews in, clearing some vegetation, trying to keep water levels as low as they can."

Lethbridge said he is still concerned about the amount of time it's taking to get an independent review committee in place to look into the project.

"The relationship with Nalcor has changed a lot. There's been a change of the guard at Nalcor," he said.

"There's been a bit of a change in the mandate from the government to Nalcor. It's our responsibility at the town council to seek benefit and growth for the community."

The town also initially had concerns about how the town's infrastructure would hold up under the weight of the massive transformers. An oil pipe runs beneath the planned route for the trucks carrying the transformers but he says Nalcor has taken steps to survey the pipe and avoid it wherever they can.

"If there is any concern, they're going to plate over it and drive over it and there shouldn't be any issues," said Lethbridge.

Talks with Nalcor

​Lethbridge also noted the Town of Cartwright and the Nunatukavut Community Council have been in talks with Nalcor to improve their relationship.

"The town council has been focused on reaching a long-term relationship agreement with Nalcor which benefits the town long into the future by way of strategic infrastructure agreement," reads a press release from the town.

Lethbridge said he did not want to share the details of the negotiations before they are tangible.