In partnership with First Nation leaders from across Ontario, Hydro One announced its new industry-leading equity partnership model with First Nations on new capital transmission line projects with a value exceeding $100 million.
Hydro One's equity model will offer First Nations a 50 per cent equity stake in all future large scale capital transmission line projects and will transform the benefits of infrastructure development for First Nation communities for generations to come.
"For too long, First Nations have borne the impacts of infrastructure development in their traditional territories without seeing the benefits. We recognize that we did not always get it right, and this equity model signals a significant shift in how Hydro One will work with First Nations," said Megan Telford, Chief Human Resources Officer, Hydro One.
"For our collective success we must continue to push existing boundaries. Hydro One is committed to its journey of taking meaningful action to advance Reconciliation and we will continue to listen to and learn from Indigenous communities with a focus on building trusting and long-lasting relationships."
This announcement follows the signing of an agreement in the spring with eight First Nations represented by Gwayakocchigewin Limited Partnership (GLP) for the Waasigan Transmission Line project. As an example of the new partnership model, this agreement provides the First Nations represented by the GLP with the opportunity to invest in an equity stake in the project.
In total, nine First Nations will have the opportunity to invest in 50 per cent of the Waasigan Transmission Line project, which will bolster capacity and support economic growth in northwest Ontario. This model will also apply to the five transmission lines Hydro One is developing in southwest Ontario.
The Minister of Energy recently directed the Ontario Energy Board to amend Hydro One Networks Inc.'s transmission license to develop four transmission lines to meet growing electricity demand and grow the economy in southwest Ontario. This is in addition to Hydro One's previous transmission designation for the Chatham to Lakeshore line in 2020.
Hydro One has also committed to increasing its Indigenous procurement spend to 5 per cent of all materials and services by 2026 and ensuring that 20 per cent of its corporate donations and sponsorships support Indigenous communities.
"Gwayakocchigewin's partnership agreement with Hydro One on the Waasigan Transmission Project provides a tremendous opportunity for our First Nations in northwestern Ontario, and demonstrates the right approach to Indigenous Participation,” said Tom Johnson, President of Gwayakocchigewin Limited Partnership.
"The new equity model demonstrates a deep and long-term commitment to creating a strong partnership between Hydro One and Ontario First Nations communities,” said Greg Rickford, Minster of Northern Development and Minister of Indigenous Affairs.
“New transmission lines are critical to supporting electrification and the economic wellbeing of our province, and First Nations are critical partners in collectively achieving those goals,” said Todd Smith, Minister of Energy.
