Hydro One and its First Nation partners announced the start of construction work on the Waasigan Transmission Line project on November 22.

The project is being constructed in two phases.

Phase one is a new double-circuit 230 kilovolt transmission line from Lakehead Transformer Station (TS) in Shuniah to Mackenzie TS in Atikokan, with a targeted in-service date as close to the end of 2025 as possible. Phase two consists of a new single-circuit 230 kilovolt transmission line from Mackenzie TS to Dryden TS in Dryden with targeted in-service in 2027.

Once built, the line is expected to bring an additional 350 megawatts of clean electricity to the northwest. The increase is enough to power the city of Thunder Bay twice.

Construction of the line, which will be performed by Valard Construction, is expected to create 400 new jobs and support community, economic and industry growth, including mining and forestry operations.

“We are thrilled to celebrate this incredible milestone with our partners in northwest Ontario. Electricity is the backbone of the economy and once built, the Waasigan Transmission Line will energize life for customers, communities, businesses and industry in the region for years to come,” said Hydro One Presdident and CEO David Lebeter. “Waasigan changed the way we build new large-scale transmission line projects with the launch of our industry-leading 50-50 equity partnership model. It’s an example of the progress we can achieve when we listen, build meaningful partnerships, work together and do things differently. We look forward to our continued collaboration as we get this critical line built.”

Through an equity partnership model, nine First Nation partners have agreements in place to invest a 50 percent equity stake in the transmission line component of the project. The partners include Lac des Mille Lacs First Nation and eight First Nation communities represented by Gwayakocchigewin Limited Partnership (GLP).

The GLP First Nation communities include Eagle Lake First Nation, Fort William First Nation, Gakijiwanong Anishinaabe Nation, Lac Seul First Nation, Nigigoonsiminikaaning First Nation, Ojibway Nation of Saugeen, Seine River First Nation and Wabigoon Lake Ojibway Nation.

“This day marks a major achievement for Gwayakocchigewin Limited Partnership. We have worked tirelessly over the past several years with our community Elders, leadership and members to ensure that this project respected our Anishinaabe teachings, protected our cultural values and would be undertaken in a way to protect and preserve our land for all future generations to come,” said Daniel Morriseau, President, GLP. “Today we stand together proudly as partnering First Nations to reflect on all we have been able to achieve and give thanks to all of our community members who have contributed to the success of this project along the way, including those that are no longer with us. We will continue to work with our partners to develop the project in a good way and look forward to seeing our communities and people benefit as the project advances.”

The Independent Electricity System Operator predicts demand for electricity will increase approximately 75 percent across Ontario by 2050.