March 28, 2018 — Fortis Inc. recently announced a funding framework among Wataynikaneyap Power, the government of Canada and the government of Ontario for the Wataynikaneyap Power project.

The project will connect 17 First Nations communities in Northwestern Ontario to the main electricity grid through the construction of 1,800 km of transmission lines.

Fortis subsidiary, FortisOntario, will be responsible for construction management and operation of the transmission line. The estimated project construction cost is $1.6 billion.

“Utilities can play an important role in the social and economic development of First Nations communities in our country,” said Barry Perry, president and CEO, Fortis Inc. “Fortis is pleased to bring its expertise to the table in the construction and operation of 1,800 km of transmission lines. Once complete, the lines will provide reliable electricity to the communities and help improve the lives of thousands of community members.”

Wataynikaneyap Power will develop, own and operate approximately 1,800 km of 230 kV, 115 kV and 44 kV power lines in Northwestern Ontario.

The initial phase of the project from Red Lake to Pikangikum is funded by the Canadian government and is expected to be complete by the end of 2018.

The next two phases are subject to receipt of regulatory approvals, anticipated by early 2019. These phases are projected to be complete by the end of 2020 and 2023, respectively.