Ontario and First Nations Partner on New Hydroelectric Projects to Power Northern Growth

TIMMINS — Ontario is preparing to launch its first new large-scale hydroelectric generation projects in a decade, through a landmark partnership with Taykwa Tagamou Nation and Moose Cree First Nation. The initiative aims to supply clean, reliable electricity to Northern Ontario as the region experiences surging demand due to increased mining and economic development.

The announcement, made Wednesday by the Ministry of Energy and Mines, outlines plans to explore two new generating stations—the Nine Mile Rapids and Grand Rapids projects—which together could produce up to 430 megawatts of clean energy, enough to power 430,000 homes. The proposal comes amid forecasts from the Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO) that electricity demand in Northern Ontario will rise by 81 per cent by 2050.

“For more than a century, nearly a quarter of Ontario’s power has come from clean hydroelectric energy,” said Energy and Mines Minister Stephen Lecce. “By supporting early development work for the province’s first expansion of large-scale hydroelectricity in decades, we are proud to work with Taykwa Tagamou Nation and Moose Cree First Nation to invest in new hydropower, while creating good jobs and affordable 24/7 power for families and businesses.”

The Taykwa Tagamou and Moose Cree Nations will co-lead the planning process alongside Ontario Power Generation (OPG), marking a shift toward Indigenous-led energy development. Both communities signed Letters of Intent with OPG to support early planning and field studies, ensuring that environmental and community impacts are considered from the outset.

Today, I had the pleasure of joining Minister @Sflecce in Timmins for an exciting announcement that will shape the future of Northeastern Ontario.

We’re thrilled to be co-planning with Taykwa Tagamou Nation and Moose Cree First Nation to develop new large-scale hydroelectric… pic.twitter.com/CT30BGPx9v

— George Pirie (@GeorgePirieMPP) April 10, 2025

“This co-planning process represents a new approach—one that puts First Nations in the driver’s seat from the beginning,” said Chief Bruce Archibald of Taykwa Tagamou Nation.

The Moose River Basin, where both proposed stations would be located, has a legacy of hydro development, including the Lower Mattagami River Project, a previous collaboration between OPG and Moose Cree First Nation.

Chief Peter Wesley of Moose Cree emphasized that the process will build on this foundation while ensuring that development respects both communities’ interests and delivers long-term benefits, including job creation and revenue sharing.

In addition to the proposed new facilities, Ontario is investing $4.7 billion in refurbishing existing hydro stations in the North, Niagara Region, Cornwall, and Eastern Ontario, securing more than 5,000 MW of clean electricity and supporting over 2,000 jobs.

George Pirie, MPP for Timmins, welcomed the announcement, calling it “an exciting moment” for Northeastern Ontario, a region seen as vital to the province’s economic and resource development strategies.

Beyond hydro, the province is rolling out several other energy initiatives in Northern Ontario:

• Forest Biomass Electricity Generation: Contract extensions for five biomass facilities to support forestry and clean power.

• Transmission Projects: Construction of major new lines including the Waasigan and Wataynikaneyap Transmission Projects.

• Northern Energy Procurement Incentives: The largest procurement in Ontario’s history includes incentives for Northern-based projects.

• Energy Efficiency Programs: New programs totaling $10.9 billion, including the Home Renovation Savings Program.

Ontario currently sources about 25% of its electricity from hydro, contributing to one of the world’s cleanest electricity grids. With the population and industry set to grow, the province’s long-term energy strategy hinges on increasing supply while advancing economic reconciliation with Indigenous communities.

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