November 18, 2022 – Lac des Mille Lacs First Nation (LDMLFN) and Hydro One Networks Inc. signed an equity agreement on the Waasigan Transmission Line project.

LDMLFN is one of nine potential partner communities that could own up to 50% of the line, in partnership with Hydro One.

“This is an outstanding example of what industry and First Nations can accomplish when they work together,” said Chief Whitecloud, Lac des Mille Lacs First Nation. “We look forward to a successful partnership on this project and to continuing our respectful and mutually beneficial relationship with Hydro One into the future.”

Waasigan is a new transmission line that will add 350 MW of capacity to northwestern Ontario. It will comprise a new double-circuit 230-kV line between Lakehead transmission station (TS) in the Municipality of Shuniah and Mackenzie TS in the Town of Atikokan, plus a new single-circuit 230-kV line between Mackenzie TS and Dryden TS in the City of Dryden.

“We value and respect the relationship we have formed with the Nation, who also played an instrumental role in advising us on both the Waasigan Transmission Line project and Hydro One’s new 50-50 equity model with First Nations,” said Andrew Spencer, Hydro One.

Open in new tab/window to view full size.

Completion of the line is contingent on stakeholder consultation and regulatory approvals.

Through its wholly owned subsidiaries, Hydro One Limited is Ontario’s largest electricity transmission and distribution provider, with about 1.5 million customers and roughly $30.4 billion in assets.