The Wataynikaneyap Transmission Project is a licensed transmission company owned by 22 First Nation communities in partnership with FortisOntario.
Wataynikaneyap means “line that brings light” in Anishiniiniimowin, named by the Elders who provided guidance to the partners. The company’s vision is to provide reliable and affordable power to residents, businesses, and industry in the region, realizing opportunities for First Nations. First Nations wish to own, control, and benefit from development in their traditional homelands.
The 22 First Nations Partnership is 51% owner in the Wataynikaneyap Transmission Project, with the goal of 100% ownership over time. The partnership is equally owned by the following communities.
FortisOntario is 49% owner in the Wataynikaneyap Transmission Project.
FortisOntario is an electric utility which owns and operates Canadian Niagara Power Inc., Cornwall Street Railway Light & Power Company Ltd. and Algoma Power Inc., serving a combined 64,000 customers located in Fort Erie, Port Colborne, Cornwall, Gananoque and the Algoma District of northern Ontario. FortisOntario also owns regulated transmission assets in the Niagara and Cornwall regions, including an international interconnection between New York State and Fort Erie, Ontario. It has approximately 3,300 km of distribution and transmission lines. FortisOntario is the only investor-owned electricity distribution utility in the Province of Ontario.
FortisOntario is also the Project Manager for the Wataynikaneyap Transmission Project. As Project Manager, FortisOntario is responsible for all aspects of management and administration of the Project.