RC116 JanFeb 2025 - Magazine - Page 18
TOP100 PROJECTS
THE LONG LINE
BRINGING LIGHT
The Wataynikaneyap Transmission Line
powers 17 remote Ontario First Nations
communities by David McPherson
HE NUMBERS TELL THE TALE of this inspiring infrastructure success
story three decades in the making: 17 remote communities, 24
First Nations, 26,000 people, 1,800 kilometres, 22 substations—
resulting in a $2 billion dollar Indigenous-owned transmission
company. That’s the Wataynikaneyap (Watay) Power Transmission Project in a nutshell.
More than 30 years since it was 昀椀rst identi昀椀ed that 昀椀nding a reliable clean and sustainable energy solution to replace an unreliable
and dirty diesel-powered generator system in the north was a crucial
issue, 16 of the 17 remote First Nations’ assets are energized. The
Watay Power Project is the largest Indigenous-led and longest grid
connection project in Ontario history.
“Ontario needs to generate, store, and transmit more power as we
face unprecedented growth,” said Stephen Lecce, Minister of Energy
and Electri昀椀cation, last fall during the connection to the grid of Sachigo Lake First Nation. “It is a priority for our government to expand
and connect clean and a昀昀ordable energy to some of the most remote
northern communities, helping improve the quality of life of First
Nation communities as we work to displace all diesel generators with
clean electricity.”
No. 46 on ReNew Canada’s 2024 Top100 Projects Report, the Watay
Power Project sets a precedent—and provides a model for future
partnerships—of how public and private funding can work, collaborate and pool resources to invest in the growth and socio-economic
development of Indigenous communities. The Ontario Government
supported the construction of the Wataynikaneyap Power Transmission Project through a loan of up to $1.34 billion for the project’s
construction costs. Wataynikaneyap means “line that brings light” in
Anishiniiniimowin and was named by the Elders who provided guidance throughout the project. This essential line that brings light not
only connects these geographically disparate First Nations’ communities, but it also enables these remote residents greater autonomy—and
more opportunities—now and in the future.
T
David McPherson is the
author of The Legendary
Horseshoe Tavern: A
Complete History, Massey
Hall and 101 Fascinating
Canadian Music
Facts. He is also the
president of McPherson
Communications, based in
Waterloo, Ont.
18
Construction on the Wataynikaneyap Power
Transmission Project’s Deer Lake Switching Station,
July 2023.
Getting on the grid
First, the backstory, on the how and the why behind Watay Power and
what led to this long overdue Indigenous-owned transmission line
RENEW CANADA – JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2025
RENEWCANADA.NET
