Thunder Bay, Ontario: Wataynikaneyap Power LP announced September 18 that it has selected the following pre-qualified proponents to receive EPC RFP packages for Phase 1 and 2 of the Wataynikaneyap Power Transmission Project.
• Forbes Bros. Ltd. (PenneCon);
• Power North Contractors JV (PowerTel, Kiewit and SNC-L);
• Valard Construction LP; and
• Voltage Power Ltd. (Sigfusson, Anishnawabe Construction Corporation).
With the pre-qualified proponents now selected, Wataynikaneyap Power’s Owner’s Engineer, Hatch Ltd., will continue preparations to issue the full release of the RFP documents.
“The announcement of the pre-qualified proponents is the next step for this exciting project,” said Margaret Kenequanash, CEO of Wataynikaneyap Power. “Upon receipt of regulatory approvals, the upcoming construction phase of the project is a critical milestone to connecting 17 First Nations to reliable accessible power.”
The Wataynikaneyap Power Transmission Project is an unprecedented First Nations-led project to build 1800 km of transmission lines in Northwestern Ontario to connect 17 First Nations to the Ontario power grid. Wataynikaneyap Power LP is a licensed transmission project equally owned by 22 First Nation communities (51%), who partnered with experienced industry leader, Fortis Inc. (49%). FortisOntario Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Fortis Inc., and an electricity transmission and distribution utility holding company based in Ontario, owns 49% of the general partner of Wataynikaneyap Power and acts as the project manager.