WIIKWEMKOONG—As Wiikwemkoong Unceded Territory (WUT) continues its dynamic economic and social development demands on the aging energy system leading into its communities, requirements for energy are growing by leaps and bounds. In response to that need, Hydro One is engaging in a major refit of the grid heading into WUT.
“We are very pleased with this upgrade project in Wiikwemkoong,” said Ogimaa Rachel Manitowabi. “As a community, we are focused on opportunities which will enhance current and future business opportunities and essentially meeting the needs of Wiikwemkoong. The renewal and replacement of poles and lines within our community provides us with a renewed sense of assurance that our community’s electricity necessities will be better equipped with a more stable, fully modern electrical infrastructure.”
“Hydro One is committed to continuing to build our relationship with Wiikwemkoong First Nation to energize life on Manitoulin Island and Wiikwemkoong Unceded Territory by ensuring clean, safe and reliable power is available for customers now and into the future,” said Tiziana Baccega Rosa, senior media relations advisor with Hydro One. “With most of our electricity system built in the 1950s and 1960s, we’re investing in renewing or replacing critical infrastructure in almost every community across the province.”
Ms. Rosa noted that in order to meet growing energy demands and improve local reliability, “Hydro One is upgrading an existing 14-kilometre line, which includes the addition of a new distribution line to support the growing demand within the Wiikwemkoong community.”
Construction on the new line is scheduled to be completed in early 2024. “We will continue engaging the local community and stakeholders as we complete this investment,” said Ms. Rosa. “The current estimated cost of this project is approximately $10 million.”
