RELATIONSHIP
SECTOR
Benjamin Mills Wind is a clean energy project in Hants County, Nova Scotia, developed through a partnership between WMA and Natural Forces. The project includes eight wind turbines with 33.6 MW of clean, renewable power generation capacity. CIB identifies it as a Mi’kmaw majority-owned wind project and lists WMA and Natural Forces as project partners.
The project supports Nova Scotia’s shift toward renewable electricity and contributes to provincial emissions reduction goals. CIB states that its $45.8 million loan supports the installation of eight turbines and related infrastructure. The project is expected to reduce emissions by about 84,500 tonnes annually, while creating approximately 128 jobs during construction.
For WMA, Benjamin Mills Wind is significant because it places the 13 Mi’kmaw First Nations in a leadership and ownership position within Nova Scotia’s clean energy economy. CIB’s project page includes WMA’s framing that the project is important from both an economic perspective and from the perspective of Mi’kmaw leadership in clean energy as protectors of natural resources. Natural Forces describes its role as working with WMA toward sustainable, low-cost energy solutions for Nova Scotia.
Key Facts & Media
- 33.6 MW of clean, renewable wind power
- Eight wind turbines
- Mi’kmaw majority-owned wind project
- Owned by the 13 Mi’kmaw First Nations and Natural Forces
- CIB investment of $45.8 million
- Approximately 128 jobs during construction
- Estimated annual emissions reduction of about 84,500 tonnes CO2e
- Project listed by CIB as complete
- Environmental assessment approved with conditions
Project Partners
Canadian Infrastructure Bank (CIB)
Canada Infrastructure Bank is a federal Crown corporation and infrastructure investor that provides repayable financing for revenue-generating infrastructure projects across Canada.
Natural Forces
Natural Forces is an independent power producer and renewable energy developer that develops, owns, and operates clean energy projects with local and Indigenous communities.
Wskijinu’k Mtmo’taqnuow Agency Ltd.
Wskijinu’k Mtmo’taqnuow Agency Ltd. is the economic development organization owned by Nova Scotia’s 13 Mi’kmaw communities, created to advance shared business opportunities and long-term prosperity for the Mi’kmaw Nation.
Atlantic Clean Energy
Atlantic Clean Energy is a clean energy financing and investment participant connected to renewable electricity development.
Natural Resources Canada
Natural Resources Canada is a federal department responsible for Canada’s natural resources, clean energy, energy efficiency, clean fuels, and related climate and resource-sector programs.
Between the start of the summer of 2025 until the start of October, much project progress has been made. Completed milestones include the delivery of the turbines to the project site, installation and energizing of the Substation Transformer, and erection of all turbines. Civil works including site roads, crane pads and substation work are mostly completed.
- Construction Update, Environmental Update, Operational Update
The Benjamins Mills Wind Farm is located in West Hants, Nova Scotia, approximately 14 kms southwest of Windsor. The project consists of 8 wind turbines, which will generate approximately 34 megawatts of electricity. The project is developed under the Renewable Benefit Program (RBP) through a partnership with Natural Forces.
All environmental and municipal permits have been obtained. Rightsholder and stakeholder consultation is ongoing throughout the lifetime of the project. Phase 1 construction is ongoing, but has been paused for wind turbine component deliveries until the Spring, depending on weather conditions. Commercial operations are still anticipated for the end of 2025.