(June 23, 2026 – Fort William First Nation, Ontario) Wataynikaneyap Power is pleased to announce the energization of Muskrat Dam First Nation. The northern Ontario community was connected to the provincial power grid on April 9, 2026. Upon grid connection, the community was able to turn off the diesel generators which had previously been their only power source.

“Muskrat Dam has not had capital infrastructure for nearly 30 years, but even if we could have expanded, we would have been unable to connect any new buildings due to power constraints. Now, with these power constraints removed, we can begin planning for growth—starting with connecting the construction camp we’ve purchased, the new build for the Aboriginal Head Start Program, and continuing to build much needed homes for community members,” Muskrat Dam Chief Carla Duncan states. “Moving away from diesel will bring significant long-term benefits to the community. In the past, we’ve had to rely on transporting diesel by air when winter roads were unavailable, which is very costly. With grid power, the First Nation can redirect cost-overrun expenses toward other community priorities.”

Wataynikaneyap Power is majority-owned by an equal partnership of 24 First Nations, in partnership with Fortis Inc. and other private investors. The 1,800 km Wataynikaneyap Power transmission system will ultimately connect 17 remote First Nations to the Ontario power grid, removing their reliance on diesel-generated electricity. Muskrat Dam First Nation is the 16th community connected, and the last energization as part of the current EPC contract.

“We connected the 16th First Nation to the grid on April 9. Congratulations to Muskrat Dam First Nation!” remarks Margaret Kenequanash, CEO of Wataynikaneyap Power. “We have accomplished this major initiative despite so many sticks in the wheel. Construction was completed in May 2024 and now we move forward with the vision of the People, which is to maintain and grow First Nation ownership of major infrastructure on the Homelands. We need to keep this momentum, so our future generations can thrive.”

“I’m proud to be a part of this historical life-changing initiative, directed by the People,” remarks Frank Mckay, Board Chair for the Wataynikaneyap Power General Partnership (WPGP). “Our youth can now think about what they can do for their community, their families, and for themselves – without power restrictions.”

Muskrat Dam First Nation is located about 600 km north of Thunder Bay, Ontario. The community is accessible only by air, and ice road during the winter. The Wataynikaneyap Power transmission system connects the Muskrat Dam community distribution system to the Ontario grid through a total of 700 km of line and five substations, originating from Dinorwic, Ontario. At Muskrat Dam, the Wataynikaneyap line splits towards two of the most northern communities on the transmission system. Muskrat Dam First Nation will now be served by Hydro One Remotes Communities Inc. for the community’s local distribution of electricity.

Eliezar Mckay, First Nation LP Board Chair, states, “Today we celebrate a transformative milestone for Muskrat Dam First Nation. This achievement reflects the strength of our partnerships and the drive of our People.”

“Connecting Muskrat Dam First Nation to the provincial grid is a powerful example of what can be achieved through strong partnerships and a shared commitment,” remarks David Hutchens, President and CEO, Fortis Inc. “At Fortis, we’re proud to work alongside Wataynikaneyap Power and the First Nations owners in making reliable, clean electricity possible — opening the door to new opportunities for growth, well-being, and a stronger future.”

On June 23, Muskrat Dam invited Wataynikaneyap Power, Opiikapawiin Services, government, and other stakeholders to celebrate this momentous occasion in the community.

“The partnership that we are celebrating today is part of the largest First Nations-led grid connection infrastructure project in Canada. Along with economic benefits for the community, connecting Muskrat Dam First Nation to the provincial power grid brings clean, reliable and expandable electricity to community members,” states the Honourable Mandy Gull-Masty, Minister of Indigenous Services. “Congratulations to Muskrat Dam First Nation and Wataynikaneyap Power on this significant milestone. Thanks to Indigenous leaders and strong collaboration, more communities can benefit from the economic development opportunities that reliable power brings.”