Hydro One's been picked for a key power transmission line between Wawa and Timmins.
The Ontario government's given the utility the "go-ahead" to seek necessary approvals and build the 260-kilometre, 230-kilovolt transmission line between the Wawa and Porcupine transformer stations, scheduled to come into service in 2030.
That bid was backed by the Wabun Tribal Council Chiefs, who'd announced a developmental coalition including the Wabun First Nations of Mattagami, Brunswick House, Matachewan, Flying Post, and Chapleau Ojibwe would partner with Hydro One on a Transmission Infrastructure Partnership, which would also see them have a 50 percent equity stake in the line.
A rival bid had been put forward by the Michipicoten, Chapleau Cree, and Missanabie Cree First Nations, Taykwa Tagamou Nation, and American electric power provider Ameren, as well as private investment, but that was unsuccessful.
Ontario's Independent Electricity System Operator identified this line as a key priority in its electricity plan for Northeast Ontario, as demand in the region is expected to rise 28% by 2035.