By NetNewsLedger Mining News | January 28, 2026
THUNDER BAY / TORONTO – MINING – Ontario is moving to accelerate a major new transmission build in Northwestern Ontario, designating the Greenstone Transmission Line as a priority project and naming Hydro One to develop and construct the 230-kilometre connection from the East-West Tie near Nipigon Bay to a new switching station in or near Aroland First Nation—a key step the province says will help unlock the Ring of Fire’s mining potential and strengthen power reliability for northern and Indigenous communities.
“With President Trump’s economic assault on our country, Ontario is officially giving the greenlight to build the Greenstone Transmission Line, delivering the energy backbone and infrastructure to unlock the Ring of Fire’s vast mineral potential,” said Stephen Lecce, Minister of Energy and Mines, as the province tied the project to supply chain security and critical mineral development.
“Ontario has what the world needs as a reliable and stable democratic partner… and that is why we are unlocking one of the largest undeveloped, high-grade deposits of critical minerals on earth.”
The province says the project will create more than 7,000 jobs, while broader Ring of Fire development could support more than 70,000 jobs across Ontario and generate about $22 billion in economic output over 30 years—numbers the government argues will help fund public services and bolster northern economic growth.
“Through the designation of the Greenstone Transmission Line as a priority project, our government is expediting the construction of this critical 230-kilometre line connecting First Nations and Northern communities to clean power that will reduce reliance on diesel, advance economic reconciliation and unlock the Ring of Fire,” said Greg Rickford, Minister of Indigenous Affairs and First Nations Economic Reconciliation and Minister Responsible for Ring of Fire Economic and Community Partnerships. “As outlined in our Shared Prosperity Agreement with Aroland First Nation, we are working in lockstep with First Nations leadership to power the North, supercharging economic growth and meet electricity demands for generations to come.”
For the region, reliable electricity is also a local quality-of-life issue. “Reliable power is the backbone of economic prosperity in Northern Ontario,” said George Pirie, Minister of Northern Economic Development and Growth. “This new Greenstone Transmission Line will put thousands of people to work, support key industries like mining, and strengthen northern and Indigenous communities’ growth.”
Powering growth and cutting diesel reliance
Ontario says electricity demand in northern Ontario is projected to rise sharply in the coming decades, with the province forecasting an 81 per cent increase by 2050 as industrial activity expands, housing grows, and electrification accelerates. The Greenstone line, expected to be complete in 2032, is positioned as a response to that demand while also enabling new generation and better system resilience.
“Northern Ontario is growing fast, and new transmission infrastructure is critical to providing reliable, affordable and sustainable electricity to the region,” said Lesley Gallinger, President and CEO of the IESO. “Today’s announcement is an important step forward that will support a prosperous future for the region’s municipalities and First Nations communities.”
Indigenous partnership and ownership model
A central feature of the project is Ontario’s commitment to Indigenous partnership, including access to Hydro One’s First Nations Equity Partnership Model, which the province says will include First Nations leadership in decision-making and offer 50 per cent ownership of the line—an approach framed as economic reconciliation in action.
“The Greenstone Transmission Reinforcement Project will bring much-needed infrastructure improvements to the region,” said Chief Yvette Metansinine of Animbiigoo Zaagi’igan Anishinaabek. “As my community continues to develop, we will benefit from improved electricity reliability and increased capacity to support future growth and economic opportunities. Our partnership with Hydro One will be a meaningful step towards economic reconciliation — helping us create generational wealth while building the electrical infrastructure our community and local economy need to thrive.”
From Aroland, Chief Joseph Gagnon stressed the urgency of fixing long-standing energy constraints: “Our community and the communities we are working with have been plagued by unreliable and inadequate energy resources… limiting growth and opportunities. This will create more reliable energy for our membership and eventually to the communities to the North.”
For Chief Sheri Taylor of Ginoogaming First Nation, equity participation is also about honouring treaty relationships and building independence: “Opportunities like investment and oversight in the Greenstone Transmission Line honour the spirit and intent of the Treaty Relationship… First Nations are looking toward a bright future of more frequent collaboration in our many shared interests.” She added, “In order for us to exercise our sovereignty, we must have own-source funding for independence… There’s still a lot of work to do… This is just one project, and just a start – there’s more to come. We’re willing to do our share of the work.”
Local municipalities and industry back the plan
The Municipality of Greenstone emphasized the project’s importance for community reliability and long-term growth. “Reliable transmission is essential to our residents’ health and safety, building strong communities, and creating long-term opportunities for workers and businesses in our region,” said Mayor James McPherson. “This project also reflects the importance of partnership, with Indigenous communities playing a leadership role and sharing in the benefits.”
Mining and business groups also welcomed the move as a practical step toward reducing a key barrier to development—access to dependable power.
“The Ontario Mining Association welcomes the Greenstone Transmission Line as a critical investment that supports current development and unlocks energy capacity for future mines across the region,” said Priya Tandon, President of the Ontario Mining Association. “By addressing a key barrier to new projects, the line will help create jobs and support long-term community growth.”
From a broader business lens, “We welcome today’s announcement and the commitment to meaningful engagement with First Nations,” said Daniel Tisch, President & CEO of the Ontario Chamber of Commerce, adding that the Chamber had advocated for prioritizing the project because of its implications for reliability and economic opportunity in the North.
Industry associations pointed to Hydro One’s role and experience. “As Ontario’s trusted transmitter, Hydro One brings deep experience and strong Indigenous partnerships to one of the province’s most important northern transmission projects,” said Vince Brescia, President & CEO of the Ontario Energy Association.
Hydropower advocates highlighted how transmission can unlock new clean generation. “This project can serve as a catalyst to unlock significant Made in Ontario waterpower while advancing Indigenous economic reconciliation,” said Paul Norris, President of the Ontario Waterpower Association.
At the project level, companies operating in the region connected transmission reliability directly to sustained operations and community benefits. “Reliable and modern energy infrastructure is essential to supporting responsible resource development in Northern Ontario and sustaining long-term mining operations,” said Darren Hall, CEO of Equinox Gold Corp. “The Greenstone Transmission Line will expand and strengthen regional power capacity and reliability… We also commend the Government of Ontario’s leadership in advancing innovative partnership models that create meaningful opportunities for Indigenous participation in major infrastructure projects.”
Economic development leaders echoed that link between power, investment, and reconciliation. “Modern, reliable energy infrastructure is essential to unlocking investment, supporting development in the Ring of Fire, and strengthening northern Ontario’s economy,” said Stephanie Crilly, Executive Director of EDCO. “We are encouraged by the project’s partnership model, which provides meaningful leadership and ownership opportunities for Indigenous communities.”
What happens next
Ontario says it has issued an Order-in-Council and a Minister’s Directive to the Ontario Energy Board to amend Hydro One’s transmission licence, along with a separate order declaring the line a government priority—moves intended to streamline approvals and reduce delays.
For Northwestern Ontario, the project is being positioned as more than a transmission build: it’s a foundational link between energy security, Indigenous partnership, and the next phase of mining-led economic growth—one that could reshape how the region powers homes, businesses, and the emerging critical minerals economy.
