PIKANGIKUM, ONTARIO (December 20, 2018) –– Pikangikum First Nation is the first community to officially connect to the Ontario power grid via the Wataynikaneyap Power Transmission Line Project (the “Project”). The Project is one of the most ambitious and transformative infrastructure projects in Canada’s history, led by 22 First Nations communities.

Pikangikum is one of 17 communities in the North to be connected to Ontario’s power grid. The community has gathered together with Wataynikaneyap Power to energize Pikangikum and to celebrate the achievement today with a Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony.  These are the first Christmas lights in the community in over 10 years and symbolizes new opportunities for the people of Pikangikum.  Today the switch that connected the community to diesel generated electricity was officially shutdown and Pikangikum is now completely reliant on the Ontario power grid.  It is a historic moment that has been long-anticipated and welcomed by Pikangikum’s Chief, Dean Owen.

“Like many First Nations communities, Pikangikum has relied on aging and outdated diesel generators for electricity for far too long.  With the connection of our community to the provincial power grid we see access to safe, reliable energy and, more importantly, we see a brighter future,” says ChiefDean Owen Pikangikum First Nation.  “Today, we see a future where there are jobs for our people, where our children can consistently go to school, where we can build, power, and live in new homes, and where there are business opportunities for even more growth.”

Today’s connection and celebration in Pikangikum is a remarkable achievement that follows the commitment made when Pikangikum joined Wataynikaneyap in 2016.  There have been many years of planning and development work on the line since the First Nation communities gave a mandate to investigate the connection of 17 remote First Nations to the provincial transmission grid, premised on eventual 100% First Nations ownership.

“Our elders signed the treaty to share in the benefits of any major development that occurs in the homelands. Our people are leading the pathway by owning a major infrastructure with a vision of bringing light to our communities,”says Margaret Kenequanash, CEO of Wataynikaneyap Power.  “We celebrate with Pikangikum this remarkable achievement.  Today, the line that brings light shines in Pikangikum and brings us one step closer to energizing across the North and realizing the hopes of our people and future generations.”

The Government of Canada announced in August 2017, funding to connect Pikangikum First Nation to Ontario’s power grid.  Fortis was the construction lead and the project was completed safely and in time for Christmas.  With minor upgrades in the future, the line will be used to connect other remote First Nations communities north of the community.  It also provided opportunity for community members who participated in relevant training, to be employed during various stages of the Pikangikum project.

“Congratulations to Pikangikum First Nation, which will connect to the Ontario electricity grid for the first time on December 20th.  Pikangikum’s newly completed transmission line enables the community to end their dependence on diesel as the primary energy source and opens the door to new economic opportunities and jobs powered by clean and reliable energy.  Our Government is proud to invest in the Wataynikaneyap Power Transmission Project, a historic and Indigenous-led initiative that is working to connect 17 remote First Nations communities to the provincial electricity grid by 2023,” says the Honourable Jane Philpott, Minister ofIndigenous Services Canada.

“The Wataynikaneyap Power Transmission Project improves the lives of families, and brings economic opportunity to the Pikangikum First Nation community,” says the Honourable Greg Rickford, Ontario Minister of Energy, Northern Development and Mines and Minister ofIndigenous Affairs. “I’m proud of the role the Government of Ontario has played—working with Indigenous partners to help connect Pikangikum First Nation to the provincial power grid. This important achievement has brought light to Pikangikum, and lights the path to a brighter future.”

Currently, 17 of the 22 FirstNations who own and are in partnership with Wataynikaneyap Power rely on diesel generators which have become financially unsustainable, environmentally risky and inadequate to meet community needs.  A majority of the remote communities are at capacity with their diesel generators or face electrical load restrictions limiting the construction of homes and other critical infrastructure that would support community growth.

“We know how important access to safe, reliable electricity is for a community’s health, economic and social outcomes,” saidBarry Perry, President and CEO, Fortis Inc. “We are proud to share our utility expertise and to transfer that knowledge to our First Nations partners to eventually operate and maintain the utility.Today we celebrate a significant step forward in creating further benefits forFirst Nations communities in northwesternOntario.”

“The Pikangikum line represents the first of the 17 remote First Nations to connect to the grid.   There  are 16 more communities left to connect,” saidScott Hawkes, President and CEO, FortisOntario Inc. “Our team will continue to apply the same level of dedication and commitment to the remainder of the Project in support of our First Nations partners.”

“This Project has been built through the vision and leadership of our communities, along with the partnerships we have established with industry and governments.  It is a precedent-setting initiative that gives our people hope and promise for the future,” adds Kenequanash.  “We thank both levels of government and Fortis who have worked with us to get the line that brings light into Pikangikum – it is truly a historic day!”