Ontario declares transmission line to Ring of Fire area as priority project

A transmission line into the Ring of Fire mining area is getting increased attention from the provincial government.

The Greenstone Transmission Line has been declared a priority project.

The 230-kilometre line will run from Nipigon Bay to near Aroland First Nation, and eventually into the Ring of Fire.

The Ford government previously committed to building the line as part of the agreement signed with Aroland last year, which included $70 million to advance work.

It will be designed and constructed by Hydro One.

Minister of Energy and Mines Stephen Lecce says the project has been fully endorsed and approved by seven First Nations.

“We made a commitment to them, and our Premier made this commitment personally to them to end diesel generation, the reliance on diesel power in these communities,” says Lecce.

“And today, in partnership with the Chiefs, we are delivering on this promise.”

Hydro One has been commissioned to design and construct the line, with a 50/50 partnership involving the seven First Nations.

Chief Yvette Metansinine of Animbiigoo Zaagi-igan Anishinaabek First Nation says it’s a critical infrastructure investment that will strengthen the electrical system in her community as it moves into the early stages of development of new homes.

“The new transmission line will also increase electrical capacity, allowing us to move forward with more housing, business, business development and community projects with confidence,” says Metansinine.

“When power is dependable, it opens the door to economic opportunity and sustainable development.”

Chief Gladys Thompson of Biinjitiwaabik Zaaging Anishinaaek First Nation adds that it is an exciting time for her community to partner in the project.

“Together, we can build a stronger, more sustainable future for all our communities,” says Thompson.

“The future is looking brighter for our people, for the creation of more jobs, clean energy, and reliable power for years to come.”

Chief Allan Odawa Jr. of Red Rock Indian Band says his community has good power, but joining with the other First Nations will help create jobs and establish an ongoing revenue stream for other projects.

“Knowing that we get this money every year, that we can start building more homes and bringing my people back to my First Nation and where they belong,” says Odawa.

The provincial government says the project will create more than 7,000 jobs.

It is expected to come online in 2032.