Ontario Construction News staff writer
Wataynikaneyap Power has announced the completion of construction on the Watay Power Transmission Project, the largest Indigenous-led energy initiative in the province’s history.
The project, which included the construction of 1,800 kilometres of transmission lines, will connect 16 remote First Nations communities in northwestern Ontario to the provincial electricity grid. This will eliminate their reliance on costly, polluting diesel generators, providing them with reliable, affordable, and clean power.
Valard Construction began work on the project in 2019 after Wataynikaneyap Power issued the notice to proceed. Despite challenges posed by the remote and difficult terrain in northwestern Ontario, Valard successfully completed the task, with the final sections of the transmission lines now operational.
More than 5,000 workers were involved in the construction, including nearly 1,000 individuals from First Nations communities.
As one of Canada’s leading utility contractors, Valard has worked on several major energy infrastructure projects, but the Wataynikaneyap Power Transmission Project stands out as a historic achievement due to its scale and Indigenous leadership.
“We are honoured to have been part of this transformative initiative,” Kostyk said. “The work we did has not only contributed to the region’s infrastructure but also empowered local communities by providing them with clean, reliable energy. It is a privilege to support the quality-of-life improvements this project will bring to Indigenous communities in northwestern Ontario,” said Carey Kostyk, President of Valard.
Completion of this project has eliminated the need for diesel-generated power in the connected communities, which will significantly reduce environmental impacts, including cutting an estimated 6.6 million tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions annually.
Ontario Energy Minister Stephen Lecce called the project a significant milestone.
“We are proud to support Wataynikaneyap Power in the largest Indigenous-led energy project in our province’s history,” Lecce said. “While the project has already created good-paying jobs, its lasting impact will be the new opportunities it brings to Indigenous communities, including housing, community services, and education.”
The following communities are now connected to the grid: Wawakapewin, Kasabonika Lake, Wunnumin Lake, Sandy Lake, Sachigo Lake, Deer Lake, Kitchenuhmaykoosib Inninuwug, Wapekeka, Pikangikum, North Caribou Lake, Kingfisher Lake, and Bearskin Lake First Nations. In 2025, Muskrat Dam, Poplar Hill, North Spirit Lake, and Keewaywin First Nations will also be connected.