Hydro One has announced that it has filed an application with the Ontario Energy Board (OEB) to build and operate the Waasigan Transmission Line.

The utility is developing the $1.2-billion project in conjunction with nine First Nation partners.

Phase one of the Waasigan Transmission Line is a proposed new double-circuit 230 kilovolt transmission line from Lakehead Transformer Station (TS) in the Municipality of Shuniah to Mackenzie TS in the Town of Atikokan. That phase of work is expected to be in service toward the end of 2025. Phase two, which is a proposed new single-circuit 230 kilovolt transmission line from Mackenzie TS to Dryden TS in the City of Dryden, is targeted to be in service by the end of 2027. Both phases also include stations enhancements to support energization of the new lines.

Once built, the Waasigan Transmission Line will provide northwest Ontario with clean and reliable electricity to meet forecasted energy demand in the region and support economic growth, job creation and mining operations. The project is being built in partnership with nine First Nations: Lac des Mille Lacs First Nation and eight First Nation communities represented by Gwayakocchigewin Limited Partnership (GLP). All of the partners will have the opportunity to invest in a 50 percent equity stake in the transmission line component of the project.

"We are very pleased to see continued progress on the Waasigan Transmission Line which will attract economic opportunities to the north while ensuring that Ontario's grid is clean, reliable and resilient," said Hydro One President and CEO David Lebeter.

The GLP First Nations 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.

"GLP First Nations support sharing of the land for this important project, and will ensure development respects our laws, customs, protocols, and people," said Tom Johnson, President of Gwayakocchigewin LP.  "We look forward to continued progress with Hydro One and our people benefiting for generations from this partnership."

Throughout the duration of the project, Hydro One will work with Indigenous communities and contractor Valard Construction LP to establish shared project values and expectations.

Filing a leave to construct application under Section 92 of the Ontario Energy Board Act, 1998, is a requirement for Ontario electricity transmitters and distributors to obtain approval from the OEB to construct, expand, or reinforce electricity transmission and distribution lines or interconnections. The application submitted by Hydro One provides details of the project, such as timing, route, design and cost.

Hydro One is currently incorporating all the feedback it received during its draft Environmental Assessment Report public review period into a final report that will be submitted to the Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks, for final review and decision. Completion of the line is contingent on Indigenous and stakeholder consultation as well as regulatory approvals.