THUNDER BAY, ON, /CNW/ - Connecting Pikangikum First Nation to Ontario's power grid will provide clean energy while making an important contribution to the health and safety of community members and boosting the First Nation's economic development opportunities.
Today, the Honourable Carolyn Bennett, Minister of Indigenous and Northern Affairs, announced up to $60.2 million in funding for Wataynikaneyap Power to build a 117-kilometre power line with associated infrastructure from Red Lake into the local distribution system at Pikangikum First Nation.
Construction on the power line will begin in fall 2017. Completion is expected in fall 2018. Once complete, Pikangikum will be connected to the Ontario provincial electrical grid and will receive clean, safe and reliable power.
This project is the result of long-term collaboration with the Government of Ontario to advance electrification of First Nation communities in Northern Ontario. It is a significant first step in eliminating Pikangikum's dependence on diesel fuel by supporting a transition to more sustainable energy solutions.
Connecting remote First Nations in Northwestern Ontario to the provincial electricity grid would save six megatons of greenhouse gas emissions over the next 40 years. In many communities, diesel generators are at capacity, limiting the potential to accommodate growing populations, businesses and other necessary infrastructure.
Source : newswire.ca