September 6, 2013 – The Ontario Waterpower Association (OWA) reports that Hatch has been retained to undertake an updated analysis and evaluation of waterpower potential in Northern Ontario—an initiative made possible through support provided by the ministries of Energy and Natural Resources, and the Ontario Power Authority (OPA).

“Ontario has significant untapped waterpower potential in the north, and several First Nation communities have expressed an interest in moving projects forward,” said Paul Norris, OWA president. “I look forward to the results and supporting the sustainable development of potential new initiatives.”

The study will involve the development of an inventory of waterpower potential across all drainage basins of Northern Ontario. Key areas of emphasis include the expansion in the northeast to support long-term provincial energy requirements, linking diesel-dependent Far North communities, and opportunities in reasonable proximity to the Ring of Fire area.

“Similar to our neighbours in Manitoba and Quebec, developing this untapped resource will provide significant sustainable growth in this region,” said Richard Donnelly, Hatch’s global director for water power.