Ontario Pursuing New Hydroelectric Stations in Northern Ontario
- Stephen Lecce, MPP
- Apr 9
- 6 min read
TIMMINS – The Ontario government is working in partnership with Taykwa Tagamou Nation (TTN) and Moose Cree First Nation (MCFN) to expand hydroelectric generation to meet growing energy demand and support greater economic self-determination and prosperity.
“For more than a century, nearly a quarter of Ontario’s power has come from clean hydroelectric energy,” said Stephen Lecce, Minister of Energy and Mines. “As energy demand rises in Ontario, especially in the North, our government is taking action by supporting early development work for the provinces first expansion of large-scale hydroelectricity in decades. By working together in the face of unjustified attacks from President Trump, Ontario will generate all the affordable electricity we need within our own borders, now and well into the future. 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.”
TTN and MCFN will lead co-planning, working alongside the government and Ontario Power Generation (OPG), to explore and advance opportunities for two new hydroelectric generation stations which, if approved, could produce up to 430 megawatts (MW) of affordable, reliable, and clean electricity – enough to power 430,000 homes. This includes the proposed Nine Mile Rapids Generating Station, which could generate about 256 MW of electricity, and the proposed Grand Rapids Generating Station, which could generate about 174 MW of electricity.
This work, which would represent the first net-new hydroelectric station(s) in Ontario in 10 years, is an important part of Ontario’s plan to meet the growing demand for electricity in Northern Ontario, which according to Ontario’s Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO), is forecasted to increase by 81 per cent by 2050.
“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. “True economic reconciliation means that we are not just participating in development. We’re shaping it, on our terms, for the benefit of our communities while supporting the province’s work to meet rising demand for electricity.”
To support early exploration and development, TTN and MCFN have signed Letters of Intent with OPG as all parties work together on preliminary planning activities, including field studies, to inform a community-led decision-making process on hydroelectric development.
“Moose Cree First Nation supports our work with Taykwa Tagamou Nation and the Co-Planning Committee to explore potential future water-power development within the Moose River Basin,” said Chief Peter Wesley of Moose Cree First Nation. “This collaborative effort aims to meet the power needs of Ontario while respecting the interests of both communities and building upon our partnership with OPG on the Lower Mattagami River Project. We will develop a streamlined process for hydro development, ensuring environmental impacts are evaluated and understood by our community members in addition to the benefits these projects will bring in terms of jobs and long-term revenue.”
This is a region of importance to the province, country and increasingly the world, with electricity demand rising, in part due to increasing mining and responsible resource development in the North. It is critical that Ontario increase localized electricity generation for the North to power current and future economic growth, including future mines under consideration, in partnership with local communities and First Nations.
"This tremendous opportunity with Taykwa Tagamou Nation and Moose Cree First Nation is proof positive of our government’s commitment to building meaningful community and economic partnerships in the spirit of reconciliation,” said Greg Rickford, Minister of Indigenous Affairs and First Nations Economic Reconciliation, and the Minister Responsible for Ring of Fire Economic and Community Partnerships. “By working hand-in-hand with First Nations leaders and their communities, we are not only ensuring a sustainable energy future for Ontario, but also advancing economic self-determination and creating good-paying, local jobs. Together, we are fostering a future that promotes economic prosperity, and strengthens Ontario's energy resilience."
New large-scale hydroelectric generating stations would build on existing investments by the province and OPG to refurbish and expand existing hydro stations in Northern Ontario, Niagara Region, Cornwall and Eastern Ontario. With an investment of $4.7 billion, the refurbishments and expansion of the existing stations will secure more than 5,000 megawatts of clean electricity and support over 2,000 good-paying jobs, with more expected from two new potential stations.
"This is an exciting moment for Timmins, as these large-scale hydroelectric generation stations will provide a reliable source of electricity for Northeastern Ontario and beyond,” said George Pirie, Member of Provincial Parliament for Timmins. “Our community serves as a vital hub for resource development and economic activity, and as we continue to grow, establishing a clean energy source for future development will benefit the North and all of Ontario”.
Developing new hydroelectric generation is just one part of Ontario’s Affordable Energy Future, as it plans for rising energy demand across the province. Investments in Northern Ontario include:
Forest Biomass Electricity Generation – The government has extended the contract for five existing forest biomass electricity generation facilities across Northern Ontario for five years to generate clean, reliable electricity while supporting Ontario’s forestry sector.
New Transmission Infrastructure – The Ontario government is working with transmitters to build thousands of kilometers of new transmission lines across Northern Ontario, including the Waasigan Transmission Line, the Wataynkaneyap Power Transmission Project and the Wawa-Porcupine Transmission Line.
Incentivizing Northern Projects in Competitive Procurements – The government launched the largest competitive procurement for energy resources in the province’s history, which incentivizes projects located in Northern Ontario, ensuring all parts of the province are able to benefit from the province’s growing energy sector.
Keeping Costs Down – Launching new energy efficiency programs worth $10.9 billion, including the new Home Renovation Savings Program, which will help families and businesses reduce electricity usage and save money on energy bills.
Quick Facts
According to Ontario’s Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO), the province’s demand for electricity is forecast to increase by 75 per cent by 2050, the equivalent of adding four and a half cities the size of Toronto to the grid.
Hydroelectricity provides approximately 25 per cent of Ontario’s electricity, serving as a reliable source of emissions-free power.
Ontario’s grid is one of the cleanest in the world with a diverse supply mix made up of nuclear, hydroelectric, natural gas, wind, solar and bioenergy.
Quotes
"We are committed to advancing new hydropower in partnership with Indigenous communities. Working together with TTN and MCFN to advance these projects is an opportunity to help meet growing electricity demand and engage in meaningful partnerships and mutually beneficial relationships with Indigenous Peoples and communities."
- Heather Ferguson
Senior Vice President, Business Development & Corporate Affairs, OPG
"Hydropower is central to Canada’s clean energy future, and the projects being explored in the Moose River Basin exemplify how sustainable energy development can drive regional growth, enhance energy security, and promote economic reconciliation. By partnering with Taykwa Tagamou Nation and Moose Cree First Nation, Ontario is setting a powerful example of how Indigenous leadership and clean electricity development can move forward together."
- Lorena Patterson
CEO and President, WaterPower Canada
"The waterpower industry applauds the Ontario government’s support for the collaboration between Taykwa Tagamou and Moose Cree First Nations in leading the exploration of new hydroelectric opportunities within their traditional territories. Coupled with OPG’s refurbishments and securing existing assets through the Small Hydro Program and Northern Hydro Program, this initiative inspires investment confidence in Made in Ontario waterpower."
- Paul Norris
President, Ontario Waterpower Association
"This partnership marks a new chapter in how we move forward—together. Co-planning these proposed hydroelectric generating stations with Moose Cree First Nation and Taykwa Tagamou Nation demonstrates the power of true collaboration. It means good, local jobs for Northern Ontario, fair revenue sharing that benefits all communities, and a sustainable energy future built on mutual respect and shared success. I commend the efforts of Ontario’s Minister of Energy and Mines, Stephen Lecce, and Ontario Power Generation for leading a community-driven approach that reflects environmental stewardship, puts partnership at the forefront and ensures Indigenous voices are guiding the way."
- Dave Plourde
Mayor, Town of Kapuskasing
Additional Resources
Learn about the government’s vision for Ontario’s energy future.
Learn about Ontario’s plan to provide families and industries with reliable, low-cost and clean power.
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