Henvey Inlet is the largest wind project in Ontario, and the largest First Nations wind energy partnership in Canada at 300MW, powering 100,000 Ontario homes. Barton Malow Canada completed the electrical and civil installation for the two 230 kV substations at the Henvey Inlet Wind project. The scope of work included overhead aluminum buss work, steel structural/gantry, Aluminum Conductor Steel Reinforced (ACSR) cable installation, equipment and switch setting and installation, protection and control (P&C) wiring, conduit installation, grounding, testing and commissioning support.Â
Henvey Inlet First Nation, located approximately 90 km south of Sudbury, Ontario, sought to build a wind farm to harness clean energy on its traditional lands. Their vision was to own and operate a facility that would generate emissions-free energy for its own use and provide surplus energy to the province, creating a revenue stream for the future.
The project represents a thoughtful collaboration of all the parties involved, with special emphasis on an Environmental Stewardship Regime under the federal First Nations Land Management Act. The Henvey Inlet wind farm is the first project to adopt and implement such a regime and expects to generate up to $10 million in revenue every year for Henvey Inlet First Nation. $1 million annually will be directed to the Eastern Georgian Bay Initiative, a biodiversity effort developed by Henvey Inlet First Nation and Canada Wildlife Services (CWS).
The Henvey Inlet wind farm is a landmark project that highlights the importance of sustainable development and environmental stewardship. By leveraging First Nations land-based knowledge and modern renewable energy technologies, Henvey Inlet First Nation is setting a precedent for other First Nations communities. This project not only contributes to reducing greenhouse gas emissions but also supports the local economy and promotes biodiversity conservation. The success of this initiative underscores the potential for Indigenous-led projects to drive positive change and create lasting benefits for both the environment and the community
