Wataynikaneyap Power transmission project adds two new communities

Connecting 20 remote communities to the power grid is a must, say organizers behind the First Nation-owed Wataynikaneyap Power Transmission Project.

Originally scheduled for completion in 2017, but since pushed back until 2019, the project grew by two communities on Thursday, with the addition of Wabigoon and Sandy Lake First Nations.

Chief Bart Meekis, who led Sandy Lake’s charge, called it a proud moment for his community, but also for all First Nations.
“We have to drive to be all who we can be as First Nations,” Meekis said.

“It will benefit Ontario, whether you realize it or not and it will benefit Canada. This is the beginning of a change. We need to change within Ontario and Canada regarding First Nations business.”

The majority of the communities taking part in the project, which still must gain environmental approval from the province, get their power from diesel fuel generation.

In many of the communities, it means load restrictions are in place, which limits business development and also impacts residential requirements, particularly when it comes to new construction.

Nishnawbe Aski Nation Deputy Grand Chief Alvin Fiddler commended the transmission project, saying the timing is right.

“I know this is something that needs to move forward,” Fiddler said. “Our communities cannot continue to rely on diesel power.
“It’s getting unsustainable with the rising (oil) prices, the unpredictability of the winter roads. We can no longer rely on this power source to run our communities.”

The project is scheduled for two phases, with organizers hoping to put shovels in the ground in two years time.

The first line would run 300 kilometers from Dinorwic to Pickle Lake, with future phases connecting communities as far north as Sachigo Lake and Bearskin Lake First Nations. Totalled, the second phase would require 895 kilometres of transmission lines north of Pickle Lake and another 426 kilometres north of Red Lake. The estimated cost for Phase 2 is $867 million. 

Margaret Kenequanash, chairwoman at Wataynikaneyap Power, said ultimately the plan could save Ontario as much as $1 billion, noting it costs about $90 million annually to supply diesel power to the First Nation communities involved in the project.

She added she expected more communities to join the transmission project in the near future.

“We’ve continued to engage with First Nations that have  a vested interest in terms of access … to build that transmission line so we will continue our efforts.”

Kenequanash said the overall vision behind the desire to construct a transmission line goes back to a desire for First Nations to control their own destiny.

“The driving factor of establishing this entity is because of the situation in our communities. Energy is a regional priority and it is an issue that our communities have been dealing with,” she said.

“In order to continue with the status quo is not acceptable,” Kenequanash added, noting food, water and shelter can be compromised when power is not available.

“Never mind the business opportunities and economic opportunities that our communities would want as part of their community development. This is a huge initiative for our First Nations.”