SHUNIAH — More than 300 people have so far been hired to build the Waasigan high-voltage power line between Shuniah and Dryden.
Its proponent, Hydro One, confirmed the number this week, saying that "to date, all hiring needs have been met."
"We prioritize local economies and expect work on the project to benefit communities, businesses and service providers where work is taking place," a Hydro One spokeswoman said in an email.
She added: "Employment numbers will vary throughout different stages of work."
Waasigan's first phase, a double-circuit 230-kilovolt line between Shuniah and Atikokan, is planned to be in service by the end of this year.
Phase two, which will be completed two years later, involves a single-circuit 230-kilovolt line between Atikokan and Dryden.
The Waasigan project is a partnership between Hydro One and nine area Indigenous communities, including Fort William First Nation.
Earlier this month, a Fort William First Nation bulletin said that during parts of July "there will be a push to increase the number of workers on site through a bulk hiring event."
"Contractors will utilize (a) candidate tracker for individuals qualified for each position," the bulletin added.
The Hydro One spokeswoman said the First Nation's bulletin is specifically designed to provide more information about work opportunities available for members of their community.
Construction on the Waasigan project is being overseen by Edmonton-based Valard, the same company that built the East-West Tie high-voltage line between Thunder Bay and Wawa.
Once in service, the $1.2-billion Waasigan line is to transmit 350 megawatts of electricity mostly in areas west of Thunder Bay — "enough to power Thunder Bay, twice," Hydro One claims.
The Chronicle-Journal / Local Journalism Initiative
