‘True partnership’: First Nations sign agreement with Hydro One on transmission lines

Participating First Nations will have the opportunity to invest in up to a 50-per-cent equity stake in the transmission line component of the projects, a release said

Hydro One and a collective of eight First Nations have signed a cooperation and support agreement aimed at advancing two major electricity transmission line projects in northeastern Ontario.

Signed Tuesday with the Waasmoowin Opportunities and Consultation Council, the agreement sets out a framework for collaboration on the proposed North Shore Link and Northeast Power Line projects between Sudbury and Sault Ste. Marie.

Waasmoowin represents Atikameksheng Anishnawbek, Batchewana First Nation, Mississauga First Nation, Sagamok Anishnawbek, Serpent River First Nation, Thessalon First Nation, Wahnapitae First Nation and Whitefish River First Nation.

Under a First Nation equity partnership model, participating First Nations will have the opportunity to invest in up to a 50-per-cent equity stake in the transmission line component of the projects.

Matthew Jackson, Hydro One’s vice-president of Indigenous partnerships and business development, said the agreement reflects a shift in how major infrastructure projects are developed in the region.

“In true partnership, we will develop these critical northern infrastructure projects together,” Jackson said, adding the agreement is intended to ensure Indigenous knowledge, priorities and traditions are reflected throughout the development process.

Jackson said the projects are needed to meet growing electricity demand in northeastern Ontario and described the agreement as a commitment to “doing business in a better way.”

Chief Brent Niganobe of Mississauga First Nation, chair of Waasmoowin, said the agreement represents a significant step toward ensuring First Nations have a direct role in shaping energy development in their territories.

“The signing of this agreement demonstrates the leadership and vision of the eight First Nations who have come together to shape the future of energy in our territories,” Niganobe said.

He said the partnership is intended to ensure Indigenous priorities are embedded in the North Shore Link and Northeast Power Line projects, while supporting long-term community prosperity and resilience.

The North Shore Link is a proposed 105-kilometre, 230-kilovolt transmission line between Mississagi Transformer Station near Wharncliffe and Third Line Transformer Station in Sault Ste. Marie.

The Northeast Power Line is a proposed 200-kilometre, 500-kilovolt transmission line between Hanmer Transformer Station in Greater Sudbury and Mississagi Transformer Station.

Hydro One said the projects are part of broader investments to strengthen the resiliency of northern Ontario’s electricity transmission system and reinforce connections between the province’s northeast and northwest regions.