Hydro One, First Nations groups agree to partnership on key transmission line project
Hydro One has agreed to a partnership with a consortium of eight First Nations that will advance the construction of a key transmission line project in the north.
The terms of the agreement between the utility and Gwayakocchigewin Limited Partnership (GLP), which represents the First Nations groups, sees the communities given the opportunity to invest in a 50-percent stake in the Waasigan Transmission Line project.
The agreement will provide generational revenues for these First Nations communities and, for Hydro One, signals its new approach to working with Indigenous communities on large-scale transmission line projects.
"As Canadians, we have a responsibility to reflect on our past and take meaningful action towards Reconciliation with Indigenous communities," said Hydro One President and CEO Mark Poweska. "Indigenous communities have historically borne the impacts of infrastructure development in their territories without seeing the benefits. This announcement is a progressive step to increase opportunities for First Nations communities to participate with industry and with Hydro One as we collectively build the electricity grid of the future."
The Waasigan Transmission Line will add 350 megawatts of capacity to the power grid in northwest Ontario via a new double-circuit 230 kilovolt (kV) transmission line between Lakehead Transmission 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.
Completion of the line is contingent on stakeholder consultation and regulatory approvals.
Last winter, Hydro One named two companies – Forbes Bros Ltd. and Valard Construction LP – to provide planning, collaboration and innovation work for the project’s early stages.
"We must seek out partnerships where we participate as equal partners to support our communities and our members. The terms of the partnership signed with Hydro One today is a tremendous opportunity for everyone involved and demonstrates the right approach to Indigenous Participation on infrastructure development," said GLP President Tom Johnson. "First Nations working together and in a true partnership with Hydro One, will help us secure a brighter future for our people."
GLP represents the following First Nations communities:
- Eagle Lake First Nation
- Fort William First Nation
- Seine River First Nation
- Nigigoonsiminikaaning First Nation
- Wabigoon Lake Ojibway Nation
- Lac La Croix First Nation
- Lac Seul First Nation
- Ojibway Nation of Saugeen
The group’s goal is to achieve meaningful economic participation for its First Nations, while protecting the lands, waters, and cultural values potentially impacted by the Waasigan Project.