The Ontario government, in partnership with Ontario Power Generation (OPG), is investing $2 billion to refurbish and expand hydroelectric generating stations across Northern Ontario. This initiative is essential to meeting the province’s increasing electricity demand, which is expected to rise by 81% by 2050.
The investment will not only secure up to 830 megawatts (MW) of clean electricity—enough to power 830,000 homes—but will also create over 1,000 well-paying jobs for skilled workers.
“Hydroelectric generating stations across Northern Ontario have been providing the province with clean electricity for over a century, and with today’s investment, we’re extending the life of these stations for decades more to help Ontario meet its growing electricity needs. This investment and expansion will employ more than 1,000 highly skilled workers across the north who will help deliver the affordable power families and businesses need now and into the future.”
Minister of Energy & Electrification | Stephen Lecce
Major Rehabilitation and Expansion Efforts
The refurbishment and expansion projects will take place across multiple stations, including Otter Rapids, Kipling, Aguasabon, Abitibi Canyon, Manitou Falls, Cameron Falls, Ear Falls, and Alexander. The primary focus of this work includes:
-
Upgrading Generating Equipment – Significant rehabilitation of hydroelectric infrastructure to maintain efficient and reliable operations while increasing electricity production.
-
Enhancing Efficiency – The refurbished stations will generate an additional 40 MW of clean electricity annually, providing power for over 40,000 additional homes.
-
Ensuring Long-Term Sustainability – The upgrades will extend the operational life of these stations, securing renewable energy resources for decades to come
Renewable Energy World reports that this initiative is part of a broader $4.6 billion investment aimed at refurbishing and expanding OPG’s hydroelectric fleet across Northern Ontario, the Niagara Region, Cornwall, and Eastern Ontario. These efforts will support over 1,900 well-paying jobs and secure more than 5,000 MW of clean electricity for the province.
Kakabeka Falls Redevelopment Project
One of the most significant hydroelectric redevelopment projects underway is the refurbishment of the Kakabeka Falls Generating Station (GS). Located along the Kaministiquia River in northwestern Ontario, this 118-year-old facility is the second oldest in OPG’s hydroelectric fleet. To ensure its continued efficiency and reliability, OPG launched a $519 million redevelopment project, which entered its execution phase in November 2024.
Key Construction and Design Enhancements:
-
New Powerhouse Extension – A modern powerhouse extension will be constructed to house two new turbine-generating units.
-
Increased Capacity – The upgraded facility will have a generating capacity of approximately 27 MW, a 13% increase over the current plant’s output.
-
Replacement of Aging Infrastructure – The four existing penstocks, which transport water to the turbines, will be removed and replaced with new, high-efficiency penstocks.
-
Surge System Upgrade – A new surge tank will be installed to manage sudden changes in water pressure, ensuring stable operations.
-
Decommissioning Outdated Equipment – The four existing generating units and ancillary equipment in the current powerhouse will be removed, while the original powerhouse structure will be preserved in its existing location.
The Kakabeka Falls redevelopment is expected to be completed and operational by 2028, reinforcing the province’s commitment to renewable energy and modernizing aging hydroelectric infrastructure.
Additional Investments in Northern Ontario’s Energy Infrastructure
In addition to hydroelectric projects, the Ontario government is making several strategic investments to enhance energy security and affordability in Northern Ontario:
-
Forest Biomass Electricity Generation – The government has extended contracts for five forest biomass electricity generation facilities for five years, ensuring clean and reliable energy while supporting the forestry sector.
-
New Transmission Infrastructure – The province is working with electricity transmitters to construct new transmission lines, including the Waasigan Transmission Line, the Wataynikaneyap Power Transmission Project, and the Wawa-Porcupine Transmission Line. These projects will strengthen Northern Ontario’s power distribution network.
-
Incentivizing Clean Energy Projects – Ontario has launched its largest competitive procurement of clean energy resources, encouraging projects in Northern Ontario that have strong community support.
-
Energy Efficiency Programs – A $10.9 billion investment in energy efficiency programs, including the Home Renovation Savings Program, will help families and businesses reduce electricity consumption and lower energy bills.
Impacts on Construction Workers and Skilled Trades
With over 1,000 new well-paying jobs created as part of this hydroelectric expansion, construction workers and skilled tradespeople will play a crucial role in executing these projects. Key opportunities include:
-
Civil Engineering and Construction – Workers will engage in building powerhouse extensions, rehabilitating dams, and upgrading infrastructure.
-
Electrical and Mechanical Work – Technicians will install new turbine-generating units, upgrade electrical systems, and ensure compliance with modern efficiency standards.
-
Heavy Equipment Operation – Large-scale excavation, penstock replacement, and surge system installations will require skilled operators.
-
Safety and Environmental Compliance – Given the complexity of hydroelectric projects, strict adherence to environmental and workplace safety regulations will be critical.
Conclusion
Ontario’s $2 billion investment in hydroelectric redevelopment and expansion is a transformative initiative designed to secure clean and reliable energy for the province’s future. By refurbishing key generating stations, such as Kakabeka Falls and other Northern Ontario facilities, the province is addressing rising electricity demand while creating high-quality jobs for skilled workers. As these projects progress over the next decade, they will play a vital role in strengthening Ontario’s energy infrastructure and supporting sustainable economic growth.
