Fort William First Nation, Ontario – Wataynikaneyap Power is pleased to announce that, for the second year in a row, the Wataynikaneyap Power Transmission Project has been chosen as a 2023 Clean50 Top Project award winner. Clean50 Top Projects are chosen annually based on their innovation, their ability to inform, and inspire other Canadians.
The Wataynikaneyap Power Transmission Project is an unprecedented First Nations-led project to build approximately 1,800 kilometres of transmission lines in Northwestern Ontario to connect 17 remote First Nations to the provincial transmission grid for the first time. As announced on August 16, 2022, Wataynikaneyap Power completed and energized a 230 kV line, approximately 300 kilometres from Dinorwic to Pickle Lake, Ontario (Phase 1).
Communities’ current diesel generated energy is insufficient, resulting in load restrictions and power outages. Inadequate power supply is lowering the quality of life, and dramatically limiting the expansion of remote First Nations communities. Connection to the power grid will provide cleaner and more reliable power to the population.
The Wataynikaneyap Power Transmission Project is also expected to result in over 6.6 million tonnes of avoided GHG emissions over forty years, by replacing approximately 25 million litres/year of diesel usage.
“Canada’s Clean50 Top Project Awards are amongst the awards announced annually by Delta Management Group and the Canada’s Clean50 organization, to recognize the best sustainability-oriented projects completed in Canada over the prior two years. Projects are chosen based on a five “I”s criteria: Impactful, Innovative, Inspiring, Informative and can readily be Imitated.” Delta’s criteria in determining Project awards is to carefully consider a combination of actual measurable impact, demonstrated innovation, and the project’s ability to inspire others to imitate it – and the Wataynikaneyap Power Transmission Project is a terrific example,” remarks Gavin Pitchford, CEO, Delta Management Group.
Margaret Kenequanash, CEO of Wataynikaneyap Power, was amongst the 135 past and incoming Clean50 Honourees that met on October 6, 2022 at the Clean50 Summit 12.0 in Toronto, to spend a day amongst peers and colleagues tackling critical sustainability challenges facing Canada” and vying for the title of “Top Sustainability Project of the Year” - which the Wataynikaneyap Power Transmission Project achieved in 2022.
"We are proud of this recognition as a Clean50 Top Project. Importantly, this huge undertaking is a partnership between 24 First Nations, who currently own 51% of the infrastructure being built on their homelands, and Fortis Inc. and other private investors,” said Margaret Kenequanash, CEO of Wataynikaneyap Power.
Eliezer Mckay, Chair of First Nations Limited Partnership, remarks, “This project is only possible through the cooperation, patience, and support of our 24 First Nation owners, who share the vision of building and owning a transmission line to bring reliable power to their communities. Meegwetch to the land stewards and First Nation communities for their continued support of the Wataynikaneyap Power Project.”
“This Project represents the commitment and shared vision of its many owners and partners to create a strong, viable future for First Nations for generations to come,” said David Hutchens, President and CEO, Fortis Inc. “Being recognized as a Clean50 Top Project reflects the critical importance of providing a safe, reliable, and clean source of power while respecting the land and communities during its development.”
For more information on the Clean50, please visit clean50.com.
About Wataynikaneyap Power
Wataynikaneyap Power is a licensed transmission company, regulated by the Ontario Energy Board, and majority-owned by a partnership of 24 First Nation communities in partnership with Fortis Inc. and other private investors. The 24 First Nation communities also established Opiikapawiin Services to lead the community engagement and participation for Wataynikaneyap Power LP. FortisOntario Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Fortis Inc., acts as the project manager through its wholly owned subsidiary, Wataynikaneyap Power PM Inc. To connect remote First Nations 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. For additional information, please visit: www.oslp.ca or www.wataypower.ca.
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 $60 billion as at June 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 Delta Management Group / Canada’s Clean50
Leading sustainability and clean tech search firm Delta Management Group in 2011 founded, and remains the steward of the Canada’s Clean50 awards. The awards were created to annually identify, recognize and connect 50 sustainability leaders, 10-20 Emerging Leaders and Top Projects from every sector of Canadian endeavor. The firm also annually convenes the Clean50 Summit, in order to facilitate understanding, collaboration and innovation in the fight to keep human caused climate impacts below 1.5 degrees. Media Contact: Gavin Pitchford 416-925-2005, 774-330-6606, or email gpitchford@deltamanagement.com.
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