47 Indigenous communities in Ontario will see nearly $5 million in funding to build and improve energy-efficiency projects to offset high costs in the north, including five communities in northwestern Ontario.

The Independent Electricity System Operator has launched a new Save on Energy First Nations Community Building Retrofit Program, which provides $100,000 in funding to on-reserve communities for energy-efficiency projects.

They say the Indigenous-led projects will help develop renewable generation, electric-vehicle charging, energy-efficiency measures, community energy planning, as well as skills development and training opportunities for youth.

“Our government’s priority has always been to ensure clean, affordable energy is available, especially to northern and Indigenous communities,” said Kenora-Rainy River MPP, Minister of Northern Development and Minister of Indigenous Affairs, Greg Rickford.

“These investments not only offset high energy costs, but also create jobs, building on more opportunities and improving quality of life in northwestern Ontario. These types of applications have been worked on for years, dating back to my time as a federal minister and I appreciate the support from Minister Smith leading this project in partnership with IESO,” he adds.

Projects in northwestern Ontario include:

- Kasabonika Lake First Nation will train and pay four community members to install, maintain and operate a 300 kilowatt wood chip boiler system.

- Mishkeegogamang First Nation will conduct a feasibility study to install ground-mounted solar panels on a newly constructed 10-unit seniors’ residence to reduce energy consumption.

- Big Grassy River First Nation will assess the feasibility of building a solar PV system on the roof of the school and the community centre to offset high energy costs.

- Northwest Angle #33 First Nation will assess the feasibility of building a rooftop solar PV system on a to-be-identified community building to offset high energy costs.

- Wabigoon Lake Ojibway Nation will assess the feasibility of building a rooftop solar PV system on a to-be-identified community building to offset high energy costs.

As well, five communities in the area have received funding to hire a Community Energy Champion for three years to support energy initiatives in their community.

The extra funding is now headed to Eagle Lake First Nation, Couchiching First Nation, Lac Seul First Nation, Big Grassy River First Nation and the Nishnawbe Aski Nation.

Ontario has the highest hydro costs in all of Canada. Studies show the cost of residential hydro in the province has risen by over 70 per cent since 2008, almost four times the rate of inflation.