Gwayakocchigewin Limited Partnership Logo (CNW Group/Hydro One Inc.)
An agreement has been reached to advance the Waasigan Transmission Line project.
Hydro One has entered into an agreement with a group representing nine local First Nations to move forward.
It’s called the Gwayakocchigewin Limited Partnership and consists of eight Indigenous communities:
-Eagle Lake First Nation
-Fort William First Nation
-Seine River First Nation
-Nigigoonsiminkikaaning First Nation
-Wabigoon Lake Ojibway
-Lac La Croix First Nation
-Lac Seul First Nation
-Ojibway Nation of Saugeen
The participating communities will have the option to invest in a 50% equity stake in the power line that officials say will support electricity reliability and economic growth in northwestern Ontario.
The project involves a new double-circuit 230 kilovolt transmission line from the Thunder Bay area (Municipality of Shuniah) to Atikokan, with a similar line going to Dryden.
Wabigoon Lake Ojibway officials say the transmission line access over a third of their territory and add that project proponents who are accessing the land will enter into agreements that are beneficial to the First Nation, pay a land access fee and procurement must reflect impacts in the territory.
Mark Poweska is President and Chief Executive at Hydro One and says, “As Canadians, we have a responsibility to reflect on our past and take meaningful actions towards Reconciliation with Indigenous communities. Indigenous communities have historically borne the impacts of infrastructure development in their territories without seeing the benefits. This announcement is a progressive step to increase opportunities for First Nations communities to participate with industry an with Hydro One as we collectively build the electricity grid of the future.”
Gwayakocchigewin Limited Partnership President Tom Johnson says, “We must seek out partnerships where we participate as equal partners to support our communities and our members. The terms of the partnership signed with Hydro One today is a tremendous opportunity for everyone involved and demonstrates the right approach to Indigenous participation on infrastructure development. First Nations working together and in a true partnership with Hydro One, will help us secure a brighter future for our people.”
The goal is to achieve meaningful economic participation for its First Nations, while protecting the lands, waters, and cultural values potentially impacted by the Waasigan Project.
Wendy Landry is the President of the Northwestern Ontario Municipal Association and Mayor of Shuniah and says, “NOMA has long advocated for reliable power to support community and industry growth. This is an important collaborative effort support economic growth in the region and meet the future electricity demands for Northwestern Ontario which is expected to significantly increase. We are stronger when we work together.”
The project is still contingent on additional community consultations and regulatory approvals.
For more information, visit Hydro One/Waasigan or Gwayakocchigewin Limited
