PIKANGIKUM FIRST NATION –Pikangikum First Nation has brought the power to its people.
Leaders in the remote northern community on Thursday became the first to connect to the Ontario power grid through the $1.6-billion Wataynikaneyap Power Transmission Line project.
The move, which was marked by the flipping of a switch to turn on the community’s first set of Christmas lights in more than a decade, ends Pikangikum’s reliance on diesel fuel for its power and was a truly historic occasion, said Pikangikum First Nation Chief Dean Owen.
"We are very happy that the project was completed so quickly. This investment for our First Nation supports significant improvements to the quality of life of members and to the environment. We will now have clean, safe and reliable energy that will have a positive impact on the health and well-being of everyone that lives here,” Owen said in a release.
Owen said for too long the community, located about 100 kilometres north of Red Lake, Ont., has relied on outdated and aging diesel generators for its power.
“With the connection of our community to the provincial power grid we see access to safe, reliable energy and, more importantly, we see a brighter future,” Owen said.
“Today we see a future where there are jobs for our people, where our children can consistently go to school, where we can build, power and live in new homes and where there are business opportunities for even more growth.”
A partnership of 22 First Nations communities, the project will ultimately see 17 of them connected to the power grid.
It’s a historic day, said Wataynikaneyap Power CEO Margaret Kenequanash.
“Our elders signed the treaty to share in the benefits of any major development that occurs in the homelands. Our people are leading the pathway by owning a major infrastructure with a vision of bringing light to our communities.
“We celebrate with Pikangikum this remarkable achievement. Today, the line that brings light shines in Pikangikum and brings us one step closer to energizing across the north and realizing the hopes of our people and future generations.”
First announced in 2015, the project last year got the go-ahead from the federal government to connect Pikangikum to the grid. Construction began in 2017 on the 117 kilometre transmission line and wrapped up earlier this month.
The move drew praise from Nishnawbe Aski Nation Grand Chief Alvin Fiddler.
“This is an enormous achievement and I congratulate Chief Dean Owen and Council for their years of effort to secure a connection to the provincial electricity grid. A reliable power source will finally end Pikangikum's reliance on diesel generation and help the community advance plans for growth and development," Fiddler said.
"We also congratulate Wataynikaneyap Power for their work to connect 17 First Nations to the provincial electricity grid through the first phase of this project. Connecting our remote communities to the provincial grid is better for the environment and will help improve the lives of our members."
