Ontario Construction News staff writer
SACHIGO LAKE FIRST NATION – The second phase has begun on the Wataynikaneyap Power Transmission Project, the largest Indigenous-led energy initiative in the province’s history. The project will connect 18,000 people across 16 remote First Nation communities to clean, reliable and affordable energy.
Led by Wataynikaneyap Power, a consortium of 24 Indigenous communities, this second phase will see Sachigo Lake First Nation join the project, ending its reliance on costly diesel generators.
“Ontario needs to expand its energy infrastructure to meet unprecedented growth,” said Stephen Lecce, Minister of Energy and Electrification. “We are committed to connecting remote communities to clean, affordable energy, and we are proud to support Wataynikaneyap Power and Sachigo Lake First Nation in this historic project.”
The initiative, backed by a government loan of up to $1.34 billion, involves the construction of approximately 1,800 kilometres of transmission lines. Once completed, the project is expected to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 6.6 million tonnes annually, which is equivalent to removing nearly 35,000 cars from the road.
Sachigo Lake First Nation, located 425 kilometres north of Sioux Lookout, has a population of 540 on-reserve and a total registered population of 966. Chief Simon Tait expressed his support: “With this connection, we are no longer constrained by diesel generators. This is a major milestone for our community.”
The project began with the early connection of Pikangikum First Nation in December 2018. Construction on the remaining segments started in February 2020 and was substantially completed by summer 2024. The project is estimated to contribute over $1 billion to Ontario’s GDP and has provided nearly 1,000 First Nation members with job opportunities.
Greg Rickford, Minister of Northern Development and Minister of Indigenous Affairs, highlighted the project’s significance: “Reliable infrastructure, including access to clean energy, is crucial. This project unlocks significant economic reconciliation opportunities for First Nations.”
Margaret Kenequanash, CEO of Wataynikaneyap Power, said: “We are thrilled to celebrate with Sachigo Lake First Nation today. This milestone is the result of a decades-long effort to bring cleaner, more reliable power to remote First Nations.”
As of September 2024, 12 remote First Nations communities have been connected to Ontario’s clean energy grid through the project. Future connections may include McDowell Lake First Nation.
Eliezar Mckay, First Nation LP Board Chair, and Frank Mckay, Board Chair for the Wataynikaneyap Power General Partnership, both praised the project’s progress. Fortis Inc. President and CEO David Hutchens also commended the initiative’s impact on reducing emissions and providing stable power to Northwestern Ontario’s First Nations.
This project continues to advance, promising to enhance the quality of life, environmental sustainability, and economic opportunities for Indigenous communities across Ontario.