(November 23, 2022 - Fort William First Nation, Ontario) Wataynikaneyap Power announces the energization of Kingfisher Lake First Nation, a remote northern Ontario community, which was connected to the provincial power grid on November 8, 2022. Upon grid connection and onto a reliable power source, the community turned off its diesel generators which had previously provided primary power to this remote community.
The Wataynikaneyap Power transmission system connects the Kingfisher Lake community distribution system to the Ontario grid through a total of 250 km of line and two substations, originating from its Pickle Lake Substation. Kingfisher Lake will continue to be served by Hydro One Remotes Communities Inc. (HORCI) for the local distribution of electricity.
“Access to reliable energy will lead to many improvements for our people and the community. Schools, households, and businesses have been negatively impacted by frequent power outages. Improvements in healthcare, education, food security, and technology will no longer be constrained by the limited capacity of the diesel generators,” says Kingfisher Lake Chief Eddie Mamakwa.
Grid connection is necessary to power the future needs of the community, including a new subdivision and a new school opening in Fall 2023.
“It has taken many years and we have reached a significant milestone today. I am very excited that we are celebrating the connection of Kingfisher Lake First Nation,” says Margaret Kenequanash, CEO of Wataynikaneyap Power. “With a clear mandate from our Chiefs and support from our partners, connection to the provincial power grid brings reliable, clean energy to our communities through infrastructure majority-owned by 24 First Nations,” says Kenequanash.
The 1,800 km Wataynikaneyap Power Transmission Line will ultimately connect 17 remote First Nations to the Ontario power grid, removing their reliance on diesel-generated electricity. Wataynikaneyap Power, in partnership with Fortis Inc. and other private investors, are making the ‘line that brings light’, a $1.9 billion dollar infrastructure project, a reality for remote, northern Ontario First Nations.
“This is a huge accomplishment for the community, and all 24 First Nation majority owners in the Project,” says Frank Mckay, Board Chair for the Wataynikaneyap Power General Partnership (WPGP). “Miigwech to all our service providers and partners who supported our vision.”
“We join with all residents of Kingfisher Lake First Nation in celebrating their connection to the Ontario electrical grid,” said David Hutchens, President and Chief Executive Officer, Fortis Inc. “This is a great accomplishment that will help create opportunities for the community. We look forward to the continued progress of the Wataynikaneyap Project and the successful connection of all 17 First Nations to the grid.”
“The largest First Nations-led infrastructure project in Canada continues to advance north,” says Eliezar Mckay, First Nation LP Board Chair. “Congratulations to the team on this achievement and I look forward to seeing more communities connected in the near future.”
On November 23, Kingfisher Lake invited Wataynikaneyap Power, Opiikapawiin Services, government, and other stakeholders to celebrate this momentous occasion in the community.
The Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Indigenous Services Canada states, “Congratulations to Kingfisher Lake First Nation and Wataynikaneyap Power on this incredible milestone. This massive, First Nations-led project has been years in the making and will pave the way for more investments into cleaner sources of energy, while improving the quality of life of community members in Kingfisher Lake. This is an example of reliable infrastructure that benefits both the community and the environment, and I am excited to see more of these milestones in other communities as they get connected.”
The Honourable Todd Smith, Minister of Energy, states, “On behalf of the government of Ontario, I congratulate Wataynikaneyap Power on this extraordinary achievement in bringing reliable and affordable electricity to remote First Nation communities. Being connected to Ontario’s clean grid will help strengthen local economies and unlock opportunities for further community development for Kingfisher Lake First Nation. As the largest First Nation grid connection project in the history of the province, we look forward to electrifying the rest of the communities in the Northwest.”
Kingfisher Lake became the third First Nation connected to the provincial power grid through the Wataynikaneyap Power transmission line infrastructure project. Pikangikum First Nation was energized in December 2018 while North Caribou Lake First Nation connected to the power grid in October 2022.
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About Wataynikaneyap Power
Wataynikaneyap Power is a licensed transmission company majority-owned by a partnership of 24 First Nations in partnership with Fortis Inc. and other private investors, regulated by the Ontario Energy Board. FortisOntario Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Fortis Inc., acts as the project manager through its wholly owned subsidiary, Wataynikaneyap Power PM Inc. The 24 First Nations also established Opiikapawiin Services to lead the community engagement and participation for Wataynikaneyap Power LP. To connect remote communities to the electrical grid, Wataynikaneyap Power will develop, manage construction, and operate approximately 1,800 kilometres of transmission lines in northwestern Ontario. For further information, please visit: www.wataypower.ca.
About First Nation Limited Partnership
First Nation Limited Partnership (FNLP) is a partnership of 24 First Nations in Northwestern Ontario working together to connect 17 remote communities currently powered by diesel generation stations. FNLP was established in 2015 to be the ownership and control of the participating First Nations’ interest in Wataynikaneyap Power LP. The 51% interest in Wataynikaneyap Power LP is equally owned by each of the 24 First Nation communities and FNLP will maintain their ability to increase their ownership to 100% over time.
About Fortis
Fortis is a well-diversified leader in the North American regulated electric and gas utility industry with 2021 revenue of $9.4 billion and total assets of $64 billion as of September 30, 2022. The Corporation's 9,100 employees serve utility customers in five Canadian provinces, nine U.S. states and three Caribbean countries. Fortis shares are listed on the TSX and NYSE and trade under the symbol FTS. Additional information can be accessed at www.fortisinc.com, www.sedar.com, or www.sec.gov.
About Opiikapawiin Services
Opiikapawiin Services LP (OSLP) was established by a partnership of 24 First Nations in Northwestern Ontario. OSLP is primarily responsible for administering projects and programs for Wataynikaneyap Power PM through a service agreement, relating to community engagement, community readiness, education & training, business readiness, stakeholder engagement, communications, and capacity building. OSLP also supports the First Nation Partnership in the management of its investment in Wataynikaneyap Power. For additional information, please visit: www.oslp.ca
Media Contacts
Kristine Carmichael, Director of Corporate and Customer Services
FortisOntario Inc.
(905) 994-3637
Kristine.Carmichael@fortisontario.com
Mary Kita, Manager, Communications
Wataynikaneyap Power
(807) 631-7503
Mary.Kita@wataypower.ca