Dubbed as The Pikangikum Power Line Project, the electrification project is part of the 1800km Wataynikaneyap Transmission Project which in turn is being developed by First Nations to connect their remote communities to the provincial grid.
In 2015, the Wataynikaneyap Transmission Project was estimated to have a capital cost of C$1.35bn ($1.06bn).
Electric utility FortisOntario holds a stake of 49% in Wataynikaneyap Power, while the remainder is held equally by 22 First Nation communities.
Canada Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada (INAC) Minister Carolyn Bennett says that the government’s funding will help Pikangikum First Nation look ahead to clean, reliable and accessible power which has eluded them for decades.
Bennett added: “The connection of Pikangikum First Nation to the Ontario electrical grid will mark a significant achievement.
“Together, First Nation, federal and provincial partners are making progress in creating lasting improvements to the quality of life in Pikangikum First Nation, improving health and safety, and opening the door for future economic development.”
Traditionally, Pikangikum like several other remote First Nations communities in Northwestern Ontario has depended on diesel to power its region. In the absence of reliable power supply, the community has struggled to get basic amenities.
According to First Nations, a majority of existing homes in Pikangikum lack water and sewer service. A fuel-intensive diesel generating facility has been operating at capacity since the last seven years resulting in regular power outages and a number of catastrophic generator failures.
Wataynikaneyap Power CEO Margaret Kenequanash said: “Investing upwards of $60 million to bring reliable energy to Pikangikum will enhance sustainable socio-economic initiatives that the community has been struggling to develop for many years.
"It will help build and improve community development, infrastructure and housing that will provide stability in Pikangikum.”