Ontario Construction News staff writer
A groundbreaking ceremony was held last week for the $1.2 billion Waasigan Transmission Line, a major infrastructure project that will deliver 350 megawatts of electricity to northwestern Ontario once completed. The project is a joint venture between Hydro One and nine First Nations in the region.
The transmission line will be constructed in two phases. Phase one will involve building a new double-circuit 230-kilovolt transmission line from the Lakehead Transformer Station in Shuniah to the Mackenzie Transformer Station in Atikokan, with a targeted in-service date by the end of 2025. Phase two will see the construction of a single-circuit 230-kilovolt transmission line from the Mackenzie Station to the Dryden Transformer Station, with a targeted completion date of 2027.
The project is expected to create approximately 400 new jobs, with Valard Construction serving as the contractor.
“This project showcases our construction expertise in northwest Ontario and emphasizes the strong relationships we’ve built across the region,” said Carey Kostyk, President of Valard Construction. “Our commitment is not only to create jobs but also to support long-term economic growth and improve the quality of life for Indigenous communities.”
The nine First Nations involved in the project include Lac des Mille Lacs First Nation and eight communities represented by Gwayakocchigewin Limited Partnership (GLP). Daniel Morriseau, President of GLP, described the groundbreaking as a “major achievement” for the First Nations, who worked to ensure the project respects Anishinaabe cultural values and traditions.
“Today we stand together proudly to reflect on our accomplishments and give thanks to all those who have contributed to the success of this project, including those no longer with us,” Morriseau said. He emphasized the importance of continuing to develop the project in a culturally sensitive and sustainable way.
The GLP represents eight First Nations: Eagle Lake, Fort William, Gakijiwanong Anishinaabe Nation, Lac Seul, Nigigoonsiminikaaning, Ojibway Nation of Saugeen, Seine River, and Wabigoon Lake Ojibway Nation.
The Waasigan Transmission Line is expected to meet the growing demand for electricity in the region, which is predicted to increase by 75 per cent across Ontario by 2050. Once operational, the transmission line will provide enough power to support the city of Thunder Bay twice over, helping to fuel economic development, including in key sectors like mining and forestry.
“Northwest Ontario is growing quickly, as are our energy needs,” said Dryden Mayor Jack Harrison added. “The Waasigan Transmission Line will be a key asset in meeting those needs, and I’m excited that construction has begun on this critical infrastructure.”
The Waasigan Transmission Line follows the completion of the East-West Tie Transmission Line, a $700-million project that connected Wawa and Thunder Bay, further strengthening the region’s electrical infrastructure.
“Electricity is the backbone of the economy, and once built, the Waasigan Transmission Line will provide long-term benefits to customers, communities, and the economy of northwest Ontario,” Hydro One president and CEO David Lebeter said in a statement.