Deer Lake First Nation Energized by Wataynikaneyap Power

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The “Line That Carries Light” Connects the Deer Lake First Nation to the Regional Electric Grid

FORT WILLIAM, Ontario, Sept. 16, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Watainikanikanap Power is pleased to announce the power turn-on for Deer Lake First Nation. The northern Ontario community was connected to the provincial power grid on April 16, 2024.

“Deer Lake is very proud to be the owner of the infrastructure that has allowed us to replace diesel power generation as our primary energy source,” said Deer Lake Mayor Leonard Mamakisik. “Not only will connecting to the grid provide cleaner, more reliable power, it also opens up the possibility of connecting new homes and buildings within the community; for example, Deer Lake has been able to build and connect six new homes, a fitness center, and install a cooling system in the plaza.”

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Wataynikaneyap Power is primarily owned by an equal partnership of 24 First Nations, in partnership with Fortis Inc. and other private investors, to build and operate “The Line That Brings Light,” a $1.9 billion infrastructure project. The 1,800-kilometre Wataynikaneyap Power transmission system will eventually connect 17 remote First Nations to Ontario’s electricity grid, eliminating their reliance on diesel-generated electricity. Many of these generators are operating at full capacity and unable to deliver the new infrastructure.

Deer Lake No. 11^D The First Nation is powered through the regional electricity grid via the Wataynikaneyap Power Transmission System. As of May 2024, all Wataynikaneyap Power assets are powered, with four communities waiting to connect to the grid.¹

“Congratulations to the Deer Lake First Nation on their power supply! Reliable power will open many doors to improved quality of life and essential services. The elders were so important to this project, and we could not have accomplished all of this work without their guidance and support,” said Margaret Kennequanach, CEO of Watainikaniap Power. “I would like to acknowledge Sagios and Elizabeth Ray of Deer Lake for always being with us on our journey!”

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The Deer Lake First Nation is located approximately 600 kilometres north of Thunder Bay, Ontario and approximately 80 kilometres east of the Ontario-Manitoba border. It is only accessible by air or ice road during the winter. The Wataynikaneyap Power Transmission System connects the Deer Lake Community Distribution System to the Ontario grid through a total of 270 kilometres of transmission lines and five substations, originating at the Red Lake Substation in Red Lake, Ontario. Hydro One Remote Communities Inc. will continue to serve Deer Lake for local electricity distribution.

“Congratulations to the team on this achievement! We will see that reliable energy opens up opportunities in remote First Nations that others may take for granted, and I look forward to seeing the opportunities our people take advantage of now that there is sufficient energy,” said Eleazar MacKay, First Nation LP Board Chair.

On September 16, the Deer Lake First Nation invited Wataynikaneyap Power, Opiikapawiin Services, government, and other stakeholders to celebrate this momentous occasion in the community.

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“The Watainikaniap Power Transmission System is the largest First Nations-led infrastructure project in Canada. First Nations ownership will ensure the responsible development of infrastructure on our homelands and maximize the benefits to communities. We are not only bringing light, Watainikaniap Power is improving the quality of life for people,” said Frank MacKay, Chairman of the Watainikaniap Power General Partnership (WPGP). “Congratulations to the Deer Lake First Nation!”

“We are proud to join our First Nations, government and community partners to celebrate the revitalization of the Deer Lake First Nation,” said David Hutchins, Fortis President and CEO. “Congratulations to Chief Leonard Mamakisik and the entire Deer Lake community. This is a significant achievement made possible through unwavering commitment and collaboration. We are honored to be a part of this journey.”

“The partnership we are celebrating today is part of the largest First Nations-led grid-connection infrastructure project in Canada. In addition to the economic benefits to the community, connecting Deer Lake First Nation to the regional power grid provides clean, reliable and scalable electricity to community members. Hard work continues to reduce reliance on diesel, and we look forward to celebrating the remaining upcoming connections to the Watainikanyap Power Transmission Project,” said Patty Hajdu, Minister of Indigenous Services and Minister Responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Northern Ontario (FedNor).

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“Congratulations to Wataynikaneyap Power and Deer Lake First Nation on this extraordinary achievement in providing clean, reliable and affordable electricity to the community,” said Stephen Lecce, Minister of Energy and Power. “Our government is proud to support this Indigenous-led project that connects communities to Ontario’s clean grid and opens up new opportunities for the next generation.”

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¹ Wataynikaneyap will continue to work with the McDowell Lake First Nation, the 17th community, with the goal of connecting them to the grid in the future.

About Wataynikaneyap Energy
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, and is regulated by the Ontario Energy Board. FortisOntario Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Fortis Inc., serves as project manager through its wholly owned subsidiary, Wataynikaneyap Power PM Inc. 24 First Nations also established Opiikapawiin Services to lead community engagement and participation in Wataynikaneyap Power LP. To connect remote communities to the electric grid, Wataynikaneyap Power develops, manages, constructs and operates approximately 1,800 kilometres of transmission lines and 22 substations in northwestern Ontario. For more information, please visit: www.wataypower.ca.

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About the First Nation Limited partnership
The First Nations Limited Partnership (FNLP) is a partnership of 24 First Nations in northwestern Ontario working together to connect 17 remote communities currently operating with diesel power plants. FNLP was formed in 2015 to be the owner and controlling shareholder of the First Nations participating in Wataynikaneyap Power LP. A 51% stake in Wataynikaneyap Power LP is owned equally by each of the 24 First Nations communities and FNLP will retain the ability to increase its ownership to 100% over time.

About Fortis
Fortis Corporation is a leading, diversified company in the North American regulated electric and gas utility industry with 2023 revenues of $12 billion and total assets of $69 billion as of June 30, 2024. The company’s 9,600 employees serve utility customers in five Canadian provinces, ten U.S. states and three Caribbean countries. Fortis shares are listed on the Toronto and New York Stock Exchanges and trade under the symbol FTS. Additional information can be found at www.fortisinc.com, www.sedar.comor www.sec.gov.

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About Opiikapawiin Services
Opiikapawiin Services LP (OSLP) was formed through a partnership of 24 First Nations in northwestern Ontario. OSLP has primary responsibility for project and program management of the Wataynikaneyap Power PM Project through a service agreement covering community engagement, community readiness, education and training, commercial readiness, stakeholder engagement, communications and capacity building. OSLP also supports the First Nations partnership in managing its investment in Wataynikaneyap Power. For more information, please visit: www.oslp.ca

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