Who We Are Timeline

The original Central Corridor Energy Group (CCEG) was given the mandate to pursue the planning and development of a power transmission line, owned by the First Nations, to connect 10 communities to the provincial electricity grid.

The original CCEG included 13 First Nations:  Bearskin Lake, Cat Lake, Kasabonika Lake, Kingfisher Lake, Kitchenuhmaykoosib Inninuwug, Muskrat Dam, Mishkeegogamang, North Caribou Lake, Sachigo Lake, Ojibway Nation of Saugeen, Wapekeka, Wawakapewin, and Wunnumin Lake. (Mishkeegogamang and Saugeen subsequently left and re-joined the project in 2019)

Ministry of Energy releases Ontario’s 2010 Long-Term Energy Plan.

The plan includes the following: “[…] diesel fuel is expensive, difficult to transport, and poses environmental and health risks. According to analysis done so far, transmission connection would be less expensive over the long term than continued diesel use for many remote communities. New transmission supply to Pickle Lake is a crucial first step to enable the connection of remote communities in northwestern Ontario.”

Wataynikaneyap is named by the Elders, led by the late Charlie Bighead (1937-2024). Wataynikaneyap means “line that brings light” in Anishininiimowin.

Government of Canada announces investment of $334,700 to facilitate the planning and community engagement process needed to establish a First Nations-owned electrical transmission business in Northwestern Ontario.

Working on behalf of remote First Nations in the region, Windigo First Nations Council, along with its partners, Shibogama First Nations Council and the Independent First Nations Alliance, announce they will use the funding to engage their member communities and gather input on a draft business case.

A new Holding Company is established by the CCEG.

The Board of Directors first meet in Thunder Bay December 19 – 20, where the goal is stated for Wataynikaneyap Power to eventually be 100% First Nations owned.

13 First Nations and Goldcorp announce an agreement formally incorporating Wataynikaneyap Power LP.

As expected, Goldcorp officially exited the project later in 2013.

Wataynikaneyap Power engages PwC to provide an analysis of the financial feasibility of connecting 10 remote First Nations to the Ontario grid.

Wataynikaneyap Power engages Edward Hoshizaki Development Consulting to complete a Local Distribution Company (LDC) options study.

Wataynikaneyap Power engages PwC to update the 2013 analysis to reflect the connection of the additional five First Nations.

Wataynikaneyap Power engages PwC, in association with HDR, to assess the socioeconomic impacts of connecting 16 remote First Nations to the Ontario grid.

The First Nation Limited Partnership (FNLP) is created.

In partnership, the 20 First Nations, as 2472881 Ontario Limited, sign the Wataynikaneyap Shareholders Agreement with Fortis (WP) GP Inc. and Renewable Energy Systems Canada Inc. (RES).

RES’s interest in the project was acquired by Fortis Inc. in 2016.

The Ontario Energy Board designates Wataynikaneyap Power as the transmission company to construct the transmission line to Pickle Lake and extend the transmission system north from Red Lake and Pickle Lake.

The connection of 16 remote First Nations to the provincial power grid is designated as a Priority Project.

The Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO) releases its recommended scope for the new transmission line to Pickle Lake.

The Ontario Government reinforces its support for Wataynikaneyap Power in its 2017 Long-Term Energy Plan, including: “advocating for a fair cost-sharing arrangement with the federal government that ensures the project is fully funded and can proceed to construction.”

Wataynikaneyap Power, the Government of Canada, and the Government of Ontario announce funding framework for the Wataynikaneyap Power Project.

Pikangikum First Nation connected to the grid.

The Ontario Energy Board approves Wataynikaneyap Power’s Leave to Construct (LTC) application to proceed with construction of the transmission system.

Environmental Study Report approval received for Phase 2 (transmission system north of Pickle Lake and Red Lake).

Wataynikaneyap Power announces that it has awarded its Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) contract to Valard.

Provincial Environmental Site Assessment approval received.

Environmental Site Assessment Effectiveness Monitoring Plan approval received.

The first tower was installed in the Sioux Lookout area near Highway 516, on Lac Seul First Nation Homelands.

All-Women Line Crew Ground Support trainees graduate.

All-Women Line Crew Ground Support (LCGS) trainees successfully graduate with 25 transferable certificates to advance in future apprenticeship opportunities. This was the only course of its kind in Canada, specifically organized for First Nation women from Wataynikaneyap Power’s owner communities.

North Caribou Lake First Nation connected to the grid.

Wataynikaneyap Power announces the selection of Cormorant Utility Services to carry out specialized inspection, maintenance, and emergency response (IMER) activities on the Wataynikaneyap Power transmission system.

Bearskin Lake First Nation connected to the grid.

Kasabonika Lake First Nation connected to the grid.

Sachigo Lake First Nation connected to the grid.

The last conductor is strung.

Sandy Lake First Nation connected to the grid.

Poplar Hill First Nation connected to the grid.

Keewaywin First Nation connected to the grid.

FNLP, Newmont Corporation, and Orla Mining Ltd. announce the establishment of a $6.6 million education, training, and skills development fund, which will be administered by Opiikapawiin Services.

Rather than seeking payment on the promissory note set up for pre-development costs in the Wataynikaneyap Power Project, Newmont and Orla agree to direct the funds back into the region.

First Nation leadership and the Wataynikaneyap Power GP Board finalize the updates to the Anishinaabeg and Anishininiwag Guiding Principles; Wataynikaneyap Power’s Mandate; and Anishinaabeg and Anishininiwag Peoples’ Vision Statement.