Two more First Nations are now receiving power through Ontario’s electric grid.

Wataynikaneyap Power announced the energization of both Kitchenuhmaykoosib Inninuwug and Wapekeka First Nations on October 28. The northern Ontario communities were both connected to the provincial power grid on December 14, 2023. 

The communities become the ninth and tenth to be energized by the provincial power grid through the Wataynikaneyap Power transmission system. As of May 2024, all Wataynikaneyap Power assets are energized, with four communities awaiting grid connection.

Kitchenuhmaykoosib Inninuwug, also known as Big Trout Lake First Nation, is located approximately 580 kilometres north of Thunder Bay. Wapekeka First Nation is located about 25 kilometres east of Big Trout Lake. Both are accessible only by air or ice road during the winter season.

 “In our community, schools, households, and businesses have been negatively impacted by frequent power outages. Access to reliable energy will lead to many improvements for our People and the community,” said Kitchenuhmaykoosib Inninuwug Chief Donny Morris. 

“Improvements in healthcare, education, food security, and technology will no longer be constrained by the limited capacity of the diesel generators in Wapekeka,” said Wapekeka First Nation Chief Brennan Sainnawap.

The Wataynikaneyap Power transmission system connects the communities’ distribution systems to the Ontario grid through a total of 700 kilometres of transmission lines and six substations, originating from its Dinorwic Substation located in Dinorwic.

Both communities will continue to be served by Hydro One Remote Communities Inc. for the local distribution of electricity. Both communities will continue to be served by Hydro One Remote Communities Inc. for the local distribution of electricity.

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 infrastructure project.

The 1,800 km Wataynikaneyap Power transmission system will ultimately connect 17 remote First Nations to the Ontario power grid, removing their reliance on diesel-generated electricity. Many of these generators are at capacity and not able to connect new infrastructure.