Wawakapewin First Nation Energized by Wataynikaneyap Power
October 20, 2023
Wataynikaneyap Power is pleased to announce the energization of Wawakapewin First Nation.
The northern Ontario community was connected to the provincial power grid on August 16, 2023. Upon grid connection, the community turned off the diesel generators which had previously provided them primary power.
Wawakapewin Chief Anne Marie Beardy states, “This is a big day for our little community. Lack of reliable power meant not being able to grow. It limited the amount of community members who could stay in Wawakapewin all year long, instead of just seasonally. We are proud to majority own this power system on the Homelands, bringing reliable power to First Nations.”
Wataynikaneyap Power is majority-owned by an equal partnership of 24 First Nations, in partnership with Fortis Inc. and other private investors, to build and operate the ‘line that brings light’, a $1.9 billion dollar infrastructure project. The 1,800 km Wataynikaneyap Power Transmission Line will ultimately connect 17 remote First Nations to the Ontario power grid, removing their reliance on diesel-generated electricity.
“Congratulations to Wawakapewin First Nation for their connection to the grid,” remarks Margaret Kenequanash, CEO of Wataynikaneyap Power. “Wawakapewin has struggled with their diesel generators and essential services the last 25 years. Many thought this wouldn’t be possible, but on August 16, Wawakapewin First Nation was connected. The people can go home now. Congratulations! Now Wawakapewin needs an airport.”
The Wataynikaneyap Power transmission system connects the Wawakapewin community distribution system to the Ontario grid through a total of 635 km of line and five substations, originating from its Dinorwic Substation. Wawakapewin will be served by Hydro One Remotes Communities Inc. (HORCI) for the local distribution of electricity.
Wawakapewin First Nation is located over 570 km north of Thunder Bay, Ontario. The community is accessible by ice road in the winter season and by float plane in the summer.
Wawakapewin is the fifth First Nation energized by the provincial power grid through the Wataynikaneyap Power transmission system. 11 further First Nations are planned to be energized in 2023-2024.*
Eliezar Mckay, First Nation LP Board Chair, states, “The power transmission line doesn’t just bring light, it brings hope. Our youth can now think about what they can do for their community, their families, and for themselves – without power restrictions.”
“Congratulations Wawakapewin First Nation! I’m proud to be a part of this historical life changing initiative, directed by the people through mandate. It is great to celebrate the continued progress of this unprecedented project,” remarks Frank Mckay, Board Chair for the Wataynikaneyap Power General Partnership (WPGP).
“Fortis extends congratulations to Wawakapewin First Nation Chief Anne Marie Beardy and community members on this special occasion,” said David Hutchens, President and CEO, Fortis Inc. “The new connection to the Ontario electricity grid provides reliable, secure power to the people of Wawakapewin. Our team looks forward to additional Wataynikaneyap Power Project communities receiving reliable power in the coming months.”
On September 29, Wawakapewin invited Wataynikaneyap Power, Opiikapawiin Services, government, and other stakeholders to celebrate this momentous occasion in Thunder Bay.
“The partnership that we are celebrating today is part of the largest First Nations-led grid connection infrastructure project in Canada. Along with economic benefits for the community, connecting Wawakapewin First Nation to the provincial power grid brings clean, reliable, and expandable electricity to community members. Significant work continues to connect diesel-dependent First Nations to Ontario’s power grid, and we look forward to celebrating the remaining upcoming connections of the Wataynikaneyap Transmission Project,” states the Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Indigenous Services and Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Northern Ontario (FedNor), who was in attendance.
The Honourable Todd Smith, Minister of Energy, remarks, “Congratulations to Wawakapewin First Nation and Wataynikaneyap Power on this historic achievement – bringing reliable, clean, and affordable electricity to the community. Our government is proud to support this First Nation-led project that is connecting communities to Ontario’s grid, lighting the way for new opportunities in community development.”
* Wataynikaneyap will continue to work with McDowell Lake First Nation, the 17th community, with the goal of becoming grid connected in the future.
