First Nations-owned Wataynikaneyap Power LP (Watay) has been selected by the Ontario government to connect 16 remote communities in northwestern Ontario to the province’s electrical grid.
The project will impact more than 10,000 people reliant on expensive and inefficient local diesel generation and will represent an estimated $1 billion in savings to the communities over the life of the construction project.
Construction begins in the spring of 2018 once
all the necessary provincial approvals in place with the eventual
goal of completing construction and connecting communities by
2024.
Watay Power is a partnership involving a consortium of
20 First Nation member communities and transmission specialists
Fortis Ontario and RES Canada (RES/FortisOntario).
An estimated 680 construction-related jobs will be created.
Watay Power’s next steps will be to apply to the Ontario Energy Board (OEB) for Leave to Construct the project, as well as to complete all necessary environmental assessment work. Ontario must also fulfil its Crown’s duty to consult obligations before the project can proceed to construction.
"Many communities are in crisis situation due to limited generation capacity compromising the health and safety of the people,” said Margaret Kenequanash, Chair of Wataynikaneyap Power. “Today’s commitment, and the prospect of grid connection, will change the landscape of how we do business moving forward. Our communities won’t have to rely on expensive, dirty diesel fuel to provide power for basic needs like food, shelter and water. Today’s decision puts us one step closer to achieving the vision of owning major infrastructure and having meaningful participation and benefitting from development on our traditional homelands.”
David Zimmer, Minister of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation, said connecting the communities “is a practical example of Ontario’s journey of healing and reconciliation with Indigenous peoples. By reducing the reliance on high-cost diesel fuel and increasing opportunities for new jobs and businesses we are helping to improve the quality of life for those who live in these communities.”
Energy Minister Glenn Thibeault said hooking up the communities goes a long way toward improving the quality of life, reducing harmful emissions and creating jobs.
“Selecting Watay Power as the transmitter for
this project advances our goal of providing reliable, clean and
affordable electricity for everyone in the province.”
Northern
Development and Mines Minister Michael Gravelle called it “fantastic
news” for the communities.
“Ensuring remote First Nation communities are connected to the energy grid will go a long way toward promoting socio-economic developments for the communities and their residents.”
