Ontario Construction News staff writer
Hydro One announced last week that Forbes Bros Ltd. and Valard Construction LP were selected in the early contractor involvement (ECI) process to develop the proposed Waasigan Transmission Line project.
An ECI model enables two qualified engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) contractors to be engaged in the early stages of project development, allowing for additional planning, collaboration and innovation on a project.
“We’re committed to energizing life for people in the communities where we work and live,” said Daniel Levitan, vice president of stakeholder relations at Hydro One. “The proposed Waasigan Transmission Line project is a critical investment in the transmission system, and through the ECI procurement model, Forbes Bros Ltd. and Valard Construction LP will ensure we’re delivering value for northwestern Ontario.”
The project is a double-circuit 230 kilovolt (kV) transmission line running between Lakehead Transformer 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.
Hydro One says the line will increase the amount of electricity that can flow through the system and provide local businesses and communities the electricity they need to grow. Waasigan is a critical link in the expansion of the transmission network in northwest.
“We are committed to being the contractor that our customers, stakeholders, partners, subcontractors, and employees have confidence in and want to work with and for,” said John Cowden, vice-president operations, Forbes Bros Ltd.
“We focus on developing long-term mutually beneficial relationships with these parties we are working alongside, and we collaborate with to ensure the success of all projects we undertake. Success on this project is defined by providing the best in value project to Hydro One and all the stakeholders through early involvement and open communication.”
Hydro One used a “comprehensive market evaluation” focused on ensuring the selected contractors are experienced leaders in Indigenous inclusion, procurement and employment, and demonstrate the highest health, safety and environmental qualifications.
“Building transmission lines is not just about energy security, it’s about bringing together communities, Indigenous Peoples and local business to explore where environmental excellence, opportunity and utility infrastructure innovation align,” said Barkely Adams, President and CEO of Valard Construction LP.
“We are excited to partner alongside Hydro One to leverage our 40 years of electric transmission development and construction experience from within northwestern Ontario and across the country for the Waasigan Transmission Line project.”
Northwestern Ontario plays a major role in the success of Canada’s mining and forestry industries, and the proposed Waasigan Transmission Line between Thunder Bay, Atikokan and Dryden will bring additional power to the region. This increase in capacity will support and attract mining and forestry activities, supply chains, industry and businesses, providing stability and enabling growth in the region for years to come.
Hydro One has submitted the Terms of Reference (ToR) to Ontario’s Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks for review. Once approved, the ToR will set the framework for how the environmental assessment (EA) will proceed, including the process to select a preferred project route, the studies to be completed, planned engagement activities, and how the requirements of the Environmental Assessment Act will be met.