Canada · Industrial projects
How Wataynikaneyap Power connected 16 First Nations to Ontario's grid
Pikangikum became the project's first connected community in 2018. Muskrat Dam became the 16th in April 2026, after construction and energisation of the main transmission system had been reported separately.
Sources checked
- 20 December 2018Pikangikum connected
First community on the system to connect to the Ontario grid. Source 1
- 17 January 2019Ownership partnership expanded
Two First Nations joined, increasing the First Nation partners from 22 to 24. Source 2
- 29 October 2019Financial close announced
Operator issued notice to proceed to Valard for the broader project. Source 3
- 16 August 2022First phase energisation announced
About 300 km of 230 kV line between Dinorwic and Pickle Lake. Source 4
- 13 December 2024Transmission system energisation reported
Operator said all main system assets were energised and 12 communities had completed connections. Source 5
- 17 December 2024Poplar Hill connected
The federal government reported the 13th community connection. Source 6
Show 1 more dates
- 9 April 2026Muskrat Dam connected
The operator reported its 16th community connection and the last under the current engineering, procurement and construction contract. Source 7
The line, substations and individual community connections each have their own milestones.
Source 1 Source 2 Source 3 Source 4 Source 5 Source 6 Source 7
Ownership expanded as the line was built
Pikangikum's connection preceded the financial close of the broader project. In January 2019, two First Nations joined the partnership. Indigenous Services Canada reported that the 24 First Nation communities held a 51% majority stake in Wataynikaneyap Power. Source 1 Source 2 Source 3 Source 6
The first phase extended the bulk grid
The first phase brought a 230 kV transmission line from Dinorwic to Pickle Lake. The completed transmission system includes approximately 1,800 kilometres of lines and 22 substations in northwestern Ontario. Source 4 Source 5
A live transmission asset and a live community are separate
In December 2024 the operator reported that all system assets were energised and that 12 communities had finished their connections. Four other communities had energised transmission assets but were still working through local power authority processes. Poplar Hill became the 13th shortly afterward. Source 5 Source 6
Muskrat Dam was the 16th connection
The operator reported an April 2026 connection and a community celebration on 23 June. It identifies Muskrat Dam as the last connection under the existing construction contract. The transmission system's planned scope is 17 communities, with McDowell Lake listed separately for a future connection. Source 7 Source 5
Sources
- Wataynikaneyap Power announcement on Pikangikum First Nation
- Wataynikaneyap Power announcement on the First Nation partnership expansion
- Wataynikaneyap Power financial close and notice to proceed
- Wataynikaneyap Power first-phase completion announcement
- Wataynikaneyap Power announcement on construction completion and asset energisation
- Indigenous Services Canada on the Poplar Hill connection
- Wataynikaneyap Power on Muskrat Dam's connection