Hydro One has entered into a new partnership with First Nations leaders across Ontario.
All new major transmission line projects, including the five new lines under development in southwestern Ontario, will be built in a 50-50 equity partnership.
"For too long, First Nations have borne the impacts of infrastructure development in their traditional territories without seeing the benefits. We recognize that we did not always get it right, and this equity model signals a significant shift in how Hydro One will work with First Nations," said Megan Telford, Chief Human Resources Officer, Hydro One. "For our collective success, we must continue to push existing boundaries. Hydro One is committed to its journey of taking meaningful action to advance Reconciliation and we will continue to listen to and learn from Indigenous communities with a focus on building trusting and long-lasting relationships."
The model will offer First Nations a 50 per cent equity stake in all future large-scale capital transmission line projects.
"Caldwell First Nation is proud to be a partner with Hydro One in making sure communities and businesses in our treaty lands get the energy they need to grow and thrive. The economic benefits that come with infrastructure ownership are game-changing for the Three Fires Nations in southwestern Ontario, and for everyone who lives and works here." Chief Mary Duckworth, Caldwell First Nation.
Hydro One has also committed to increasing its Indigenous procurement spend to 5 per cent of all materials and services by 2026 and ensuring that 20 per cent of its corporate donations and sponsorships support Indigenous communities.