Kingfisher Lake First Nation comes online with energization of Wataynikaneyap Power Transmission Project
Another Northern Ontario First Nations community has connected to the province’s clean electricity grid after the energization of the First Nation-led Wataynikaneyap Power Transmission Project.
The connection ends the community of Kingfisher Lake First Nation’s reliance on diesel generation. It is also expected to power future economic and social development in the community, including a new school opening next fall and new housing.
The community, which is located 350 kilometres northeast of Sioux Lookout, has a population of 560.
The Ontario government announced the milestone on November 24.
“I congratulate Wataynikaneyap Power on this extraordinary achievement in bringing reliable and affordable electricity to Kingfisher Lake First Nation,” said Energy Minister Todd Smith. “Our government is proud to be providing support for this First-Nation led project which is connecting communities to Ontario’s clean grid, unlocking new opportunities for economic and community development.”
The provincial government has supported the construction of the Wataynikaneyap Power Transmission Project through a loan of up to $1.34 billion for construction costs. The project is being cost-shared with the federal government, which has committed $1.6 billion in funding at project completion.
“Access to reliable energy will lead to many improvements for our people and the community. Schools, households, and businesses have been negatively impacted by frequent power outages. Improvements in healthcare, education, food security, and technology will no longer be constrained by the limited capacity of the diesel generators,” said Kingfisher Lake Chief Eddie Mamakwa.
Once completed, the project will connect more than 18,000 people living in 16 remote First Nation communities across northwestern Ontario with a reliable, affordable supply of electricity. It will become the largest and most far-reaching First Nation grid connection project in Ontario’s history.
The project achieved its first major milestone in August 2022 with the completion and energization of a 230kV line, approximately 300 km from Dinorwic to Pickle Lake. North Caribou Lake First Nation was also connected to the provincial grid in October 2022.
“The First Nation-led Wataynikaneyap Power Transmission Project is a prime example of what can be accomplished through strong, meaningful partnerships,” said Greg Rickford, Minister of Northern Development and Minister of Indigenous Affairs. “Not only will this bring economic benefits and energy certainty to the community of Kingfisher Lake First Nation, but it will also improve quality of life and open the door for new opportunities to the region.”
The project supports economic growth in northwestern Ontario by connecting First Nation people and communities with affordable electricity and good, local jobs. Cutting the use of local diesel-powered generation also reduces greenhouse gas emissions and noise in the community.