THUNDER BAY, ONTARIO (September 18, 2018) – Wataynikaneyap Power LP (“Wataynikaneyap Power”) announced that it has selected the following pre-qualified proponents to receive EPC RFP packages for Phase 1 and 2 of the Wataynikaneyap Power Transmission Project.
With the pre-qualified proponents now selected, Wataynikaneyap Power’s Owner’s Engineer, Hatch Ltd., will continue preparations to issue the full release of the RFP documents.
“The announcement of the pre-qualified proponents is the next step for this exciting project,” said Margaret Kenequanash, CEO of Wataynikaneyap Power. “Upon receipt of regulatory approvals, the upcoming construction phase of the project is a critical milestone to connecting 17 First Nations to reliable accessible power.”
The Wataynikaneyap Power Transmission Project is an unprecedented First Nations-led project to build 1800 km of transmission lines in Northwestern Ontario to connect 17 First Nations to the Ontario power grid. Wataynikaneyap Power LP is a licensed transmission project equally owned by 22 First Nation communities (51%), who partnered with experienced industry leader, Fortis Inc. (49%). FortisOntario Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Fortis Inc., and an electricity transmission and distribution utility holding company based in Ontario, owns 49% of the general partner of Wataynikaneyap Power and acts as the project manager.
These remote First Nation’s communities are currently living off the grid, relying on very expensive diesel to power their homes and businesses – a situation that has become financially unsustainable, environmentally risky, and insufficient to meet community needs. The communities are not able to connect homes and are unable to pursue economic and business opportunities. 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.
In March, the Governments of Canada and Ontario announced a funding framework for the Wataynikaneyap Power Transmission Line Project. The funding framework allows for a viable transmission business with First Nations and Fortis Inc. participating as the equity investors. The funding framework goals include connection of remote First Nations communities, capacity building and the establishment of a viable transmission business to be eventually owned and operated 100% by First Nations.
For further information, please see contact details for the Owner’s Engineer, Hatch Ltd.
James Dalton
James.Dalton@hatch.com
Adeel Afazal
Adeel.afazal@hatch.com
Media Contact
Kristine Carmichael
FortisOntario
Kristine.carmichael@fortisontario.com