Hydro One selects two for Waasigan Transmission Line project
Hydro One has named two companies to lead the early contractor involvement (ECI) component of its proposed Waasigan Transmission Line project in northwestern Ontario.
Under the ECI model, Forbes Bros Ltd. and Valard Construction LP will work together to provide planning, collaboration and innovation in the project’s early stages. Only one, however, will be selected for project construction.
“The proposed Waasigan Transmission Line project is a critical investment in the transmission system, and through the ECI procurement model, Forbes Bros Ltd. and Valard Construction LP will ensure we’re delivering value for northwestern Ontario,” said Daniel Levitan, Hydro One’s vice-president of stakeholder relations.
The Waasigan Transmission Line is a proposed double-circuit 230 kilovolt (kV) transmission line running between Lakehead Transformer Station (TS) in the Municipality of Shuniah and Mackenzie TS in the Town of Atikokan, and a new single-circuit 230 kV transmission line between Mackenzie TS and Dryden TS in the City of Dryden.
There are a host of mining and forestry activities in the region that play a key role in driving economic growth in the northwest and in the communities who support them. Hydro One says that building the line will increase the amount of electricity that can flow through the system and provide local businesses and communities the electricity they need to grow. Waasigan is a critical link in the expansion of the transmission network in northwest.
“We are excited to partner alongside Hydro One to leverage our 40 years of electric transmission development and construction experience from within northwestern Ontario and across the country for the Waasigan Transmission Line project,” said Barkely Adams, president & CEO of Valard Construction LP.
Hydro One selected Valard Construction Forbes Bros Ltd. through what it calls a comprehensive market evaluation. The evaluation focused on ensuring the selected contractors are experienced leaders in Indigenous inclusion, procurement and employment, and demonstrate the highest health, safety and environmental qualifications.
“We are committed to being the contractor that our customers, stakeholders, partners, subcontractors, and employees have confidence in and want to work with and for,” said John Cowden, vice-president of operations at Forbes Bros Ltd. “We focus on developing long-term mutually beneficial relationships with these parties we are working alongside, and we collaborate with to ensure the success of all projects we undertake. Success on this project is defined by providing the best in value project to Hydro One and all the stakeholders through early involvement and open communication. We are privileged by the opportunity and are excited for the invite to participate in this project.”
In June, the utility announced that it had selected Golder to provide Environmental Assessment services for the project.
Meanwhile, Hydro One has submitted terms of reference for the project to Ontario’s Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks for review. Once approved, the terms will set the framework for how the environmental assessment will proceed, including the preferred route for the power lines, the studies to be completed, any planned engagement activities, and steps taken to meet the requirements of the Environmental Assessment Act.