Taykwa Tagamou Nation (TTN) is getting a boost in energy.
TTN is receiving a $351,000 grant from the Ontario Energy Board (OEB) to help research energy programs and projects in First Nation communities across Ontario. The community is one of six recipients.
“OEB has invested a significant funding grant to investigate the challenges and opportunities of energy transition for First Nation communities across Ontario,” said TTN’s Chief Bruce Archibald.
The funding is part of the OEB Innovation Sandbox Challenge, a one-time grant program that provides $1.5 million as well as regulatory guidance to innovative energy projects in Ontario. The funds come from compliance penalties collected through OEB.
“Our community's personal experience working with the OEB has been phenomenal,” said Archibald. “They've had an open door policy and become our true partners with our own sustainable energy growth and economic energy ventures.”
TTN has been front and centre in the Transmission Infrastructure Partnerships 9 (TIP-9) coalition to build a 230-kilovolt transmission line from Wawa to Porcupine.
The community has a two-phase solar power plan to install solar panels on all band-owned buildings and on-reserve residences. As well, the community holds a 37.5-per-cent equity interest in four Cochrane solar projects in partnership with Apitipi Anicinapek First Nation, and the Peter Sutherland Sr. Generating Station.
“Success for these projects is simple: TTN has equity ownership, a seat at the decision-making table, continued sustainable energy sources, the sovereignty to protect our environment and exercise our treaty rights, and the revenue to not rely on government funding cycles for our members,” said Archibald.
The decision on the TIP-9 bid is expected in early 2024.
TTN is a nation of 700 members, with 140 living in the community near Cochrane, Ont.
— TimminsToday
