Energization of the First Nation-led Wataynikaneyap Power Transmission Project has helped connect the community of North Caribou Lake First Nation to Ontario’s clean electricity grid, cutting the dependency on diesel generation.
The project will connect more than 18,000 people in 16 remote First Nations across northwestern Ontario with a reliable, affordable supply of electricity, once completed. It also supports economic growth in northwestern Ontario by connecting First Nation people and communities with affordable electricity and good, local jobs.
“Diesel generation was unsafe, unreliable, and inadequate to meet the needs of the growing community,” said North Caribou Lake First Nation chief, Cornelius Benson. “Since connection, we have been able to connect a new school, police station, a number of housing and trailer units and many building upgrades.”
Ontario has invested about $1 billion for the construction of the Wataynikaneyap Power Transmission.
While five more communities will be energized in 2023, the remaining seven communities are expected to connect to the grid in 2024.
"North Caribou Lake First Nation has benefited from being connected to the main Ontario electricity grid for nearly a year,” said David Hutchens, President and Chief Executive Officer, Fortis. “Having shut down its diesel engines, the community has reduced its carbon emissions and secured room for current and future growth.
