Ontario Construction News staff writer
Ontario is partnering with Taykwa Tagamou Nation and Moose Cree First Nation to explore the development of two new hydroelectric generating stations in Northern Ontario — the province’s first proposed large-scale hydro expansion in over a decade.
Energy and Mines Minister Stephen Lecce announced Thursday that the province will work with the two First Nations and Ontario Power Generation (OPG) on early planning and assessment for the Nine Mile Rapids and Grand Rapids projects. Together, the stations could generate up to 430 megawatts of clean electricity, enough to power approximately 430,000 homes.
The initiative comes in response to growing electricity demand in Northern Ontario, which the province’s Independent Electricity System Operator forecasts will rise by 81 per cent by 2050.
“As energy demand rises in Ontario, especially in the North, our government is taking action by supporting early development work,” Lecce said. “We are proud to work with Taykwa Tagamou Nation and Moose Cree First Nation to invest in new hydropower.”
Letters of intent have been signed by the First Nations and OPG to begin preliminary work, including field studies and community engagement. The Nine Mile Rapids station could generate about 256 megawatts, while Grand Rapids could contribute 174 megawatts to the provincial grid.
Chief Bruce Archibald of Taykwa Tagamou Nation said the co-planning process puts First Nations in a leadership role from the outset.
“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,” Archibald said.
Moose Cree First Nation Chief Peter Wesley said development would only proceed with community support and environmental oversight.
“We will develop a streamlined process for hydro development, ensuring environmental impacts are evaluated and understood by our community members,” he said.
The proposed stations are part of Ontario’s broader “Affordable Energy Future” strategy, which includes investments in new transmission infrastructure, forest biomass energy, and energy efficiency programs totalling $10.9 billion.
Hydropower currently accounts for about one-quarter of Ontario’s electricity generation. The province is also investing $4.7 billion to refurbish existing hydro facilities in Northern Ontario, Niagara, Cornwall and Eastern Ontario, aiming to secure more than 5,000 megawatts of clean energy and support over 2,000 jobs.
Indigenous Affairs Minister Greg Rickford said the project reflects a broader commitment to reconciliation and energy independence.
“Together, we are fostering a future that promotes economic prosperity and strengthens Ontario’s energy resilience,” Rickford said.
Local leaders also welcomed the announcement, pointing to long-term economic and energy benefits for the region.
“This is an exciting moment for Timmins,” said George Pirie, MPP for Timmins. “Our community serves as a vital hub for resource development and economic activity, and establishing a clean energy source for future development will benefit the North and all of Ontario.”