Heather Wright/The Independent

Energy Minister Stephen Leece says the $471.9 million St. Clair Transmission Line is a “nation building” project hailing the involvement of five First Nations communities as an example to Canadians of how we can work together.

Leece was in Courtright Tuesday to mark the beginning of construction of the 64-kilometre, 230 kilovolt transmission line will connect Lambton and Chatham-Kent, and expand switching stations in Chatham and Wallaceburg while upgrading the Lambton Transmission Station at the former generating station property along the St. Clair River.

With Leece were chiefs from four of five First Nation communities which will be 50/50 partners in the project.

“The progress has been made since 2022 is about moving the yardstick forward on economic growth and community building and the quality of life of communities everywhere in Ontario and in this region,” Leece said.

“This is a transformative step forward. It’s about building the energy security we need. It’s about creating jobs and getting it done in a timely manner, because while construction will commence today, this project will be complete by year 2028 …together we’re going to move to meet the moment.”

Leece said the involvement of Aamjiwnaang, Kettle and Stony Point, Walpole Island, the Caldwell First Nation and the Chippewa of the Thames First Nation was key to the project.

“The leadership they have played, the  advocacy and the role in building out an equity partnership, where (it is) 50/50, has been the example, not just to the province, but to the country, of how to do this right.”

While the numbers for the economic agreement have not been spelled out, Aamjiwnaang Chief Janelle Nahmabin hopes the transmission line “can create opportunities for employment” in her community. 

And while she says the final deal between Hydro One and the First Nations has yet to be signed, she is hopeful others developing power projects will take note of the process.

“I think it serves as recognition that First Nation participation is important in projects and that is what’s going to secure projects within this region,” Nahmabin said.

Aside from the transmission line projects, the province is steaming ahead with new power generation. Provincial demand projected to increase 75 per cent by 2050, so Ontario has opened the doors to all kinds of power generation, hoping to get it on line quickly. 

In St. Clair Township alone there are three companies preparing bids for large natural gas powered electricity projects. 

St. Clair Township Mayor Jeff Agar made a not-so-subtle pitch for those projects during the ground breaking ceremony.

“This transmission line is going to help St. Clair with its new infrastructure that will keep our power needs on and Ontario’s overall power needs for years to come,” he said. 

“It is my hope that this will influence the IESO (Independent Electricity Supply Operator) at the end of the year to grant all of St Clair’s power gas projects that are being applied for… I, personally, would love to reside in the gas turbine electrical capital of Ontario, St Clair Township.”

All of those projects are required to consult with First Nations in the area. 

Nahmabin told The Independent some have contacted Aamjiwaang but none have started meaningful consultations. 

The chief believes there is still time for consultations before applying for generation contracts – if the companies wish to put the effort into talking with First Nations communities.