THUNDER BAY, ONTARIO (June 6, 2018) – Wataynikaneyap Power announced today that Hatch Ltd. (“Hatch”) has been selected to provide Owner’s Engineer services to the Wataynikaneyap Power Transmission Project.

With the selection of the Owner’s Engineer, preparations will begin on the Engineering, Procurement, and Construction Request for Proposals (RFP) scheduled to be issued this summer. Hatch will support Wataynikaneyap Power throughout the RFP process with the goal of selecting a proponent(s) to design, procure equipment for, and build the 1700 km of transmission lines in Phase 1 and Phase 2 of the project. Following selection of the successful proponent(s), Hatch will also provide engineering support.

“The selection of Hatch as the Owner’s Engineer is another exciting milestone for the Wataynikaneyap Power Transmission Project,” said Margaret Kenequanash, CEO of Wataynikaneyap Power, LP. “This partnership with Hatch positions us to build on the momentum we have underway toward connecting 17 First Nations to reliable, accessible power and strengthening our communities.”

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%). These 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 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 are honoured to support Wataynikaneyap Power in developing the Wataynikaneyap Power Transmission Project and connecting these First Nation communities to Ontario’s power grid,” said Jim Sarvinis, Managing Director – Power at Hatch. “This project is not only unprecedented in its ambition, but also immensely valuable to the affected communities, and we are extremely grateful to play a part in bringing the vision for a brighter future to light.” Myles Godfrey, Global Director of Power Delivery & Integration at Hatch, added “We are excited by the opportunity to bring the very best of Hatch to ensure the success of this transformational power delivery project.”

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.