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Wataynikaneyap Power announced the energization of Deer Lake First Nation. The northern Ontario community was connected to the provincial power grid on April 16, 2024.
“Deer Lake is so proud to be an owner of the infrastructure that allowed us to replace diesel-generation as our primary source of power. Not only will grid connection bring us cleaner, more reliable power, but it opens up the possibility to connect new houses and buildings within the community; for example, Deer Lake has been able to build and connect six new homes, a fitness centre, and install a refrigeration system at the arena,” said Deer Lake Chief Leonard Mamakeesick.
Wataynikaneyap Power is majority-owned by an equal partnership of 24 First Nations, in partnership with Fortis Inc. and other private investors, to build and operate the ‘line that brings light’, a $1.9 billion dollar infrastructure project. The 1,800 km Wataynikaneyap Power transmission system will ultimately connect 17 remote First Nations to the Ontario power grid, removing their reliance on diesel-generated electricity. Many of these generators are at capacity and not able to connect new infrastructure.
Deer Lake was the 11th First Nation energized by the provincial power grid through the Wataynikaneyap Power transmission system. As of May 2024, all Wataynikaneyap Power assets are energized, with four communities awaiting grid connection.
“Congratulations to Deer Lake First Nation on their energization! Reliable energy will open many doors to improve quality of life and essential services. Elders have been very important to this project, and we could not have accomplished all this work without their guidance and support,” added Margaret Kenequanash, CEO of Wataynikaneyap Power. “I want to acknowledge Saggius and Elizabeth Rae of Deer Lake for always being with us on our journey.”
Deer Lake First Nation is located approximately 600 km north of Thunder Bay, Ontario and approximately 80 km east of the Ontario Manitoba border. It is accessible only by air or ice road during the winter season. The Wataynikaneyap Power transmission system connects the Deer Lake community distribution system to the Ontario grid through a total of 270 km of transmission lines and five substations, originating from its Red Lake Substation located in Red Lake, Ontario. Deer Lake will continue to be served by Hydro One Remote Communities Inc. for the local distribution of electricity.
“Congratulations to the team on this achievement! We will see that reliable power allows for opportunities in remote First Nations that others may take for granted, and I look forward to seeing what opportunities our People take on now that there is adequate power,” said Eliezar Mckay, First Nation LP Board Chair.
“We are proud to join with our First Nations partners, government, and community to celebrate the energization of Deer Lake First Nation,” said David Hutchens, president and CEO, Fortis Inc. “Congratulations to Chief Leonard Mamakeesick and the entire Deer Lake community. This is a significant achievement made possible through unwavering commitment and collaboration. We’re honoured to be a part of this journey.”
“The partnership that we are celebrating today is part of the largest First Nations-led grid connection infrastructure project in Canada. Along with economic benefits for the community, connecting Deer Lake First Nation to the provincial power grid brings clean, reliable, and expandable electricity to community members. Significant work continues to reduce diesel dependency, and we look forward to celebrating the remaining upcoming connections of the Wataynikaneyap Power Transmission Project,” said Patty Hajdu, Minister of Indigenous Services and Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Northern Ontario (FedNor). |
