Province pursues two new hydroelectric station projects in northern Ontario

TIMMINS — The Ontario government has announced it is working in partnership with Taykwa Tagamou Nation (TTN) and Moose Cree First Nation (MCFN) to expand hydroelectric generation as a way to meet growing energy demand.

TTN and MCFN will lead co-planning, working alongside the government and Ontario Power Generation (OPG), to explore opportunities for two new hydroelectric generation stations which, if approved, could produce up to 430 megawatts (MW) of electricity, which is enough to power 430,000 homes, explains a release.

This includes the proposed Nine Mile Rapids Generating Station, which could generate about 256 MW of electricity, and the proposed Grand Rapids Generating Station, which could generate about 174 MW of electricity.

The work would represent the first net-new hydroelectric stations in the province in 10 years.

“This co-planning process represents a new approach — one that puts First Nations in the driver’s seat from the beginning,” said Chief Bruce Archibald of the TTN in a statement. “True economic reconciliation means that we are not just participating in development. We’re shaping it, on our terms, for the benefit of our communities while supporting the province’s work to meet rising demand for electricity.”

The TTN and MCFN have signed letters of intent with OPG as all parties work together on preliminary planning activities, including field studies.

“Moose Cree First Nation supports our work with Taykwa Tagamou Nation and the co-planning committee to explore potential future water-power development within the Moose River Basin,” added Chief Peter Wesley of Moose Cree First Nation. “This collaborative effort aims to meet the power needs of Ontario while respecting the interests of both communities and building upon our partnership with OPG on the Lower Mattagami River Project. We will develop a streamlined process for hydro development, ensuring environmental impacts are evaluated and understood by our community members in addition to the benefits these projects will bring in terms of jobs and long-term revenue.”