Margaret Kenequanash

Wataynikaneyap Power is a licensed transmission company, majority-owned by a partnership of 24 First Nations in partnership with Fortis Inc. and other private investors, regulated by the Ontario Energy Board. The 24 First Nations also established Opiikapawiin Services to lead the community engagement and participation for Wataynikaneyap Power LP. FortisOntario Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Fortis Inc., acts as the project manager through its wholly owned subsidiary, Wataynikaneyap Power PM Inc. To connect remote First Nations to the electrical grid, Wataynikaneyap Power will develop, manage construction, and operate approximately 1,800 kilometres of transmission lines in northwestern Ontario. The project is the largest First Nations majority-owned infrastructure project in Canada’s history. By replacing diesel fueled generation with cleaner energy from the Ontario grid, the Wataynikaneyap project is estimated to reduce emissions by 6.6 million tonnes over 40 years. Wataynikaneyap Power is a vital contributor to the regional economy. The project is expected to generate significant benefits for First Nations, including access to reliable energy supply and economic benefits from construction.