A billion-dollar clean-energy project announced today could reshape the local economy around Garden River First Nation while adding significant renewable generation to Ontarios power supply
Garden River First Nation expects annual revenues of about $50 million once a newly-approved solar farm project becomes operational.
Announced earlier today, the project will be located approximately 55 kilometres east of the City of Sault Ste. Marie.
In a press conference held this afternoon, Chief Karen Bell said the billion dollar project will begin construction early 2028 and the target for it being operational is as early as late in 2029.
The project will be co-owned by Neoen and Garden River First Nation.
“This is a 50 per cent partnership equity, meaning that Garden First Nation is not only participating in this project, but it’s also a co-owner and a decision maker in that project,” said Bell.
“This means having a direct role in the governance, the oversight and the long-term planning, while ensuring that our values of Indigenous people are reflected at every stage in that project.”
Once constructed, the project will be Ontario’s largest solar farm and will add more than 380,000 megawatt-hours of emissions-free energy to the provincial power grid each year.
For Garden River First Nation, an expected $50 million in revenue will be earned annually from the 20-year partnership, in a contract that has been approved Ontario’s Independent Electricity System Operator.
“It means long-term economic benefits, job opportunities and positions here at the Nation in clean energy,” said Bell.
Bell added that the proposed site is in Dunn’s Valley, across from Mississaugi Provincial Park.
For Garden River, said Bell, the project represents more than just infrastructure.
“It reflects a step forward on strengthening our economic independence and creating long-term opportunity for our community and its members. It will generate revenue, create employment during construction and operations and open up pathways for training and certification for all of our members, whether they reside on the Nation or off the Nation,” Bell added.
Garden River First Nation was first approached last year for the project.
“Strong partnerships are built on trust. transparency and respect for Indigenous rights and knowledge. This project reflects what is possible when those principles are taken very seriously from the beginning,” said Bell.
Community engagement sessions will begin in the near future and Bell said environmental and archaeological studies are already underway at the proposed site.
“We understand our roles as stewards of the land. The project will move forward with careful attention,” she added.
Bell said Garden River First Nation is still in talks with Hydro One about a separate transmission line. The First Nation pulled out of a consortium of Nations last year and began seeking direct talks with the company.
Community engagement with Hydro One about the transmission line project will begin in about a month, she added.
“We had another meeting this morning, actually, with Hydro One and resetting that table and moving forward because we want to be on board with them in a partnership relationship, as well, and we know that the hydro line is coming. So we’re moving. We’re engaging in conversation,” said Bell.
https://www.sootoday.com/local-news/garden-river-expects-50m-per-year-from-proposed-solar-project-chief-bell-12169009
