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Hydro One, First Nations complete Ontario transmission line

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Hydro One, First Nations complete Ontario transmission line

Hydro One Ltd. and a pair of First Nations enterprises have completed a 230-kV, double-circuit transmission line to boost reliability and small-generator access to markets in southern Ontario.

The 76-kilometer Niagara Reinforcement Line runs along an existing Hydro One right of way between the utility's Allanburg and Middleport transformer stations. A consortium that included First Nations and engineering company Aecon Group Ltd. built the line. Toronto-headquartered Hydro One expects to complete agreements in the coming weeks to give the Six Nations of the Grand River Development Corp., a community-owned corporation of the Six Nations of the Grand River First Nation, and Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation an equity stake in the line.

"The Niagara Reinforcement Line will not only generate millions of dollars of benefit for the Six Nations community, it's also a step forward for Indigenous participation in the economy," said Matt Jamieson, CEO of Six Nations of the Grand River Development Corp. "We have proven our ability to partner, and have demonstrated unprecedented capacity to leverage our skilled labor to drive economic development, not only within our community, but across Ontario."

Canada's indigenous governments have become more involved in large public works projects, taking not only equity positions but also operating interests. A6N, which built the Niagara line, is a venture between Six Nations of the Grand River Development, which holds a 51% stake, and Aecon, which owns 49%. The company performs utility-related work in southwestern Ontario. A6N has more than 130 employees with a 95% indigenous workforce.

Details of the ownership of the Niagara Reinforcement line are expected to be determined in the coming weeks, a Sept. 5 joint statement by the partners said.