Wataynikaneyap Power signed a memorandum of understanding with Aecom to build a new transmission line in northwestern Ontario.
The company is 50 per cent owned by 18 First Nation communities and Goldcorp.
The Aecom team will provide design, construction and financial services for the project. A licensed transmission partner will also be selected, who will partly own and operate the line.
The project's first phase is a new transmission line to Pickle Laike. The second phase will consist of connecting remote First Nation communities to the provincial power grid.
“Our goal is the grid connection of remote communities and the elimination of dependency on diesel generation,” said Margaret Kenequanash, chair of Wataynikaneyap Power, in an Oct. 17 news release.
“We are excited that this work will improve resident's quality of life while creating infrastructure that meets the highest technical and professional standard,” said Damien Tholomier, Aecom's regional energy business line leader.
Wataynikaneyap is currently 50 per cent owned by 18 First Nations, in conjunction with Goldcorp.
Over the long term, First Nation ownership will gradually increase to become predominately an Aboriginal-owned enterprise expanding its development of other transmission line projects in the North.
