Fort William First Nation partners with Hydro One Inc. to bring clean electricity to northwestern Ontario – Anishinabek News
November 29, 2024
SHUNIAH — Fort William First Nation Chief Michele Solomon stressed the importance of the Waasigan Transmission Line in northwestern Ontario during its groundbreaking ceremony on Nov. 22 at the Lakehead Transformer Station (TS) in Shuniah. Fort William is one of nine First Nations that have partnered with Hydro One Inc. on the Waasigan Transmission Line, which includes a new double-circuit 230 kilovolt transmission line from the Lakehead TS to the Mackenzie TS in Atikokan and a new single-circuit 230 kilovolt transmission line from the Mackenzie TS to the Dryden TS in Dryden. It is expected to bring about 350 megawatts of clean electricity to northwestern Ontario.
“It’s really humbling to be here and to be in the presence of so many people that have contributed so much of themselves and their care for their communities to bring this project, this partnership to where it is today,” Chief Solomon says. “I take no credit for the work that was done before I got here and I really owe respect and acknowledgement to former Chief Peter Collins and all the work he did for this partnership to come to where it is and the leadership that worked alongside of him in this.”
Chief Solomon also acknowledged the leadership of the other eight First Nations that are involved in the partnership: Eagle Lake, Gakijiwanong, Lac des Mille Lacs, Lac Seul, Nigigoonsiminikaaning, Saugeen, Seine River, and Wabigoon Lake.
