May 27, 2022 – Hydro One Networks Inc. and Gwayakocchigewin LP entered into an agreement on the Waasigan Transmission Line project, which provides the communities represented by the LP with the opportunity to invest in an equity stake of the project.

(Gwayakocchigewin is a consortium of eight First Nations: Eagle Lake, Fort William, Seine River, Nigigoonsiminikaaning, Wabigoon Lake Ojibway, Lac La Croix, Lac Seul, and Ojibway of Saugeen. “Gwayakocchigewin” means “making decisions the right way”.)

“The terms of the partnership signed with Hydro One today is a tremendous opportunity for everyone involved, and demonstrates the right approach to Indigenous participation on infrastructure development,” said Tom Johnson, president, Gwayakocchigewin LP.

In total, Hydro One says nine First Nations in the region will have the opportunity to invest in a 50% stake in the transmission line.

This agreement will transform the way in which First Nations participate in critical infrastructure development, says Hydro One, and is “a strong signal as to how Hydro One intends to move forward on new large-scale transmission line projects”.

“Indigenous communities have historically borne the impacts of infrastructure development in their territories without seeing the benefits,” noted Mark Poweska, president & CEO, Hydro One. “This announcement is a progressive step to increase opportunities for First Nations communities to participate with industry and with Hydro One as we collectively build the electricity grid of the future.”

The Waasigan Transmission Line will bolster capacity in northwest Ontario, says Hydro One, by adding 350 megawatts of capacity to the region with a new double-circuit, 230-kV line between Lakehead TS (transmission station) in the Municipality of Shuniah and Mackenzie TS in the Town of Atikokan, and a new single-circuit 230-kV line between Mackenzie TS and Dryden TS in the City of Dryden.

Project completion is contingent on stakeholder consultation and regulatory approvals.