THUNDER BAY, ON: Nishnawbe Aski Nation (NAN) Grand Chief Alvin Fiddler, on behalf of the Executive Council, celebrates the shut down of Pikangikum First Nation’s diesel generating station and official energization of the transmission line during a ceremony in the community today.
“This is an enormous achievement and I congratulate Chief Dean Owen and Council for their years of effort to secure a connection to the provincial electricity grid. A reliable power source will finally end Pikangikum’s reliance on diesel generation and help the community advance plans for growth and development,” said Grand Chief Alvin Fiddler.
“We also congratulate Wataynikaneyap Power for their work to connect 17 First Nations to the provincial electricity grid through the first phase of this project. Connecting our remote communities to the provincial grid is better for the environment and will help improve the lives of our members.”
Pikangikum First Nation becomes the first community to officially connect to the Ontario power grid via the Wataynikaneyap Power Transmission Line Project. The milestone will be marked by the lighting of a community Christmas tree – the first ever in Pikangikum – followed by a community feast.
Wataynikaneyap Power was launched in 2015 to expand grid connection for remote First Nations. The Wataynikaneyap Power Transmission Line Project will connect these remote communities to Ontario’s power grid in phases. It was awarded $1.6 billion earlier this year to connect remote First Nation communities to the provincial power grid over a 1,800 kilometre transmission line.
Wataynikaneyap is a licensed transmission company, regulated by the Ontario Energy Board, equally owned by 22 First Nation communities (51%), in partnership with Fortis (49%). FortisOntario Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Fortis, and an electricity transmission and distribution utility holding company based in Ontario, owns 49% of the general partner of Wataynikaneyap Power and acts as the project manager.
For more information please contact: Gina Fata, Research and Policy Coordinator – Phone: (807) 625-4909 or (807) 630-5245 (mobile) or Email: gfata@nan.on.ca
Gina Fata | Research and Policy Coordinator | Direct Line: 807.625.4909
Nishnawbe Aski Nation
Office: 807.623.8228 | Fax: 807.623.7730
100 Back Street Rd., Unit #200| Thunder Bay, ON|P7J 1L2