Hydro One Networks has achieved a significant milestone in the Waasigan Transmission Line project that will provide much-needed power to northwestern Ontario and promote economic growth in the region. Valard Construction has been awarded the engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) contract for the project.
“With their strong history of building electrical infrastructure projects in Ontario, we are confident that Valard is well positioned to design, build and deliver the Waasigan Transmission Line”, said Andrew Spencer, Executive Vice President, Capital Portfolio Delivery, Hydro One. “Aligned with Hydro One’s procurement policy for Indigenous sourcing, a large portion of the Waasigan transmission line will include the purchase of goods and services from qualified Indigenous businesses as subcontractors to Valard. This builds on our overall commitment to source 5% of all of Hydro One’s purchases of materials and services from Indigenous businesses by 2026. Valard’s experience in Indigenous engagement will help us meet that goal.”
A market evaluation was conducted by Hydro One to identify the most qualified EPC contractors in the electrical transmission industry, and Valard was selected for its ability to safely deliver projects with a comprehensive procurement plan and a strong commitment to Indigenous engagement and participation.
Hydro One will implement its new 50-50 equity partnership model for the Waasigan Transmission Line project, which will provide nine First Nations communities with a 50% equity stake in the transmission line aspect of the project. This would include Lac des Mille Lacs First Nation (LDMLFN) and eight First Nation communities represented by Gwayakocchigewin, whose communities include Wabigoon Lake Ojibway Nation, Eagle Lake First Nation, Lac La Croix First Nation, Fort William First Nation, Seine River First Nation, Lac Seul First Nation, Nigigoonsiminikaaning First Nation, and the Ojibway Nation of Saugeen.
In addition, Hydro One will collaborate with its First Nation partners and Valard throughout the project’s duration to establish shared values and expectations and monitor the construction progress. It is confident that it will fulfil its commitments to the proximate and affected Indigenous Communities.
The project is currently undergoing an Environmental Assessment under the Ontario Environmental Assessment Act to identify a final transmission line route, predict and evaluate potential effects, and identify measures to minimize environmental damage. Hydro One intends to submit a Leave to Construct (Section 92) application to the Ontario Energy Board this year. The Waasigan Transmission Line project comprises a proposed double-circuit 230 kV transmission line between Lakehead and Mackenzie Transformer Stations and a proposed single-circuit 230 kV transmission line between Mackenzie TS and Dryden TS.
