THUNDER BAY, ONT. — Hydro One has announced it has filed an application with the Ontario Energy Board (OEB) to build and operate the $1.2-billion Waasigan Transmission Line in northern Ontario.
Phase one of the project is a proposed new double-circuit 230-kilovolt transmission line from Lakehead Transformer Station (TS) in the Municipality of Shuniah to Mackenzie TS in the Town of Atikokan, to be in service as close to the end of 2025 as possible, stated a release.
Phase two, a proposed new single-circuit 230-kilovolt transmission line from Mackenzie TS to Dryden TS in the City of Dryden, is targeted to be in service by the end of 2027. Both phases also include station improvements to support energization of the new lines.
The project is being built in partnership with nine First Nations, Lac des Mille Lacs First Nation and eight First Nation communities represented by Gwayakocchigewin Limited Partnership (GLP), who will have the opportunity to invest in a 50 per cent equity stake in the transmission line component of the project.
The GLP First Nations include Wabigoon Lake Ojibway Nation, Eagle Lake First Nation, Lac La Croix First Nation, Fort William First Nation, Seine River First Nation, Lac Seul First Nation, Nigigoonsiminikaaning First Nation and the Ojibway Nation of Saugeen.
Hydro One stated the project aligns with its commitment to advancing Truth and Reconciliation Call to Action number 92. Hydro One will work with Indigenous communities and its construction partner, Valard Construction LP, to “establish shared project values.”
“We are very pleased to see continued progress on the Waasigan Transmission Line which will attract economic opportunities to the north while ensuring that Ontario’s grid is clean, reliable and resilient,” said Hydro One CEO David Lebeter in the release.
Recent Comments