Hydro One has selected Golder to provide Environmental Assessment (EA) services for the Waasigan Transmission Line project. This new high-voltage transmission line will bring increased capacity and reliability to northwestern Ontario. Serving approximately 1.4 million residential and business customers, Hydro One is Ontario’s largest electricity transmission and distribution service provider.
Golder will be providing Hydro One with strategic advice and environmental services throughout the EA process, relying on our previous EA and permitting success with other large transmission projects in the region. Golder’s work on the Waasigan project is a result of being selected as a trusted partner under Hydro One’s Environmental Services Offer Agreement (OA) competition. The five-year OA includes environmental assessment, ecological services, archaeology, and cultural heritage consultation services.
“Golder will complete EA baseline studies and an effects assessment, provide support to collect and incorporate Indigenous Knowledge, and support Indigenous and stakeholder consultation and engagement.” Dr. Anthony Ciccone, VP – Power “Our work on Waasigan is an excellent example of how Golder leverages our knowledge of the regulatory environment and regional landscape to help our clients succeed. In addition, Golder looks forward to continuing to offer opportunities for Indigenous communities to contribute to the success of the project.”
The work on Waasigan, an Ojibwe word for “bringing power,” is founded on open, respectful and collaborative consultation with communities. As such, a key component in Golder’s work plan is to include meaningful opportunities for Indigenous people throughout the EA process. To meet this objective, various Indigenous employment and training opportunities are included, as well as planned use of Indigenous partnered and owned businesses.
