Wataynikaneyap Power Line Receives $1.6 billion in Federal Funding

Apr 30, 2018

The project will connect 17 remote First Nations communities in Northwestern Ontario to the main electricity grid through the construction of 1,800 kilometres of transmission lines. The communities currently rely on diesel-powered electricity generators.

Wataynikaneyap Power is owned by 22 First Nations, which equally own 51% of the project, and Fortis Inc., which owns 49%. Fortis subsidiary, FortisOntario, will be responsible for construction management and operation of the transmission line.

The initial phase of the project, a 117-kilometre grid line from Red Lake to Pikangikum First Nation, is scheduled to be completed late this year and has also been fully funded by the federal government. The next two phases are targeted for completion by the end of 2020 and 2023, respectively. The Ontario government will apply existing ratepayer subsidies to support transmission connection and distribution costs.

“This project will redefine the relationships and the landscape of how business must be conducted with the First Nations through creating a sustainable First Nation equity position overall,” says Margaret Kenequanash, Chief Executive Officer, Wataynikaneyap Power. “This provides the foundation for the communities to participate meaningfully in the economic prosperity of this country. Now we need to get the line that brings light into the communities.”

Photo source: Pixabay