Wasoqonatl Transmission Line
RELATIONSHIP
SECTOR
The Wasoqonatl Transmission Line, also known as the Nova Scotia-New Brunswick Reliability Tie, is a new 345 kV transmission line that will strengthen the electricity connection between Nova Scotia and New Brunswick. The Nova Scotia section will run from Onslow, Nova Scotia to the New Brunswick border, while the broader interprovincial project connects through New Brunswick toward Salisbury. The line will twin or run parallel to existing transmission infrastructure, creating a stronger regional grid connection and supporting the movement of clean electricity between provinces.
The project is intended to improve energy reliability, increase resiliency, and support the integration of more renewable electricity into the grid. Nova Scotia Power describes the line as a new 345 kV transmission line that will increase reliability for customers by providing a stronger connection to the interprovincial power grid while supporting renewable energy production. CIB identifies the public impact as enhanced grid connectivity, resiliency, and renewable energy integration.
For WMA, the Wasoqonatl Transmission Line is also an Indigenous equity and regional partnership project. CIB identifies Nova Scotia Power, WMA, Mi’gmaq United Investment Network, and CIBC as project partners, and notes that Indigenous equity loans will assist First Nations in Nova Scotia and New Brunswick to acquire ownership stakes in the transmission line. The project name is also significant: WMA’s project page explains that Wasoqonatl means “to illuminate” in Mi’kmawi’simk, while Nova Scotia Power gives the meaning as “Keep Light On.” Either way, the name connects the physical infrastructure of the line with a broader story of illumination, connection, and shared responsibility.
Related Partners
- Wskijinu’k Mtmo’taqnuow Agency Ltd.
- Nova Scotia Power Inc.
- Canada Infrastructure Bank
- Mi’gmaq United Investment Network
- CIBC
- NB Power
- Government of Nova Scotia / Nova Scotia Energy Board
- New Brunswick regulatory and environmental assessment bodies
Key Facts & Media
- New 345 kV transmission line between Nova Scotia and New Brunswick
- Approximately 160 km between Onslow, NS and Salisbury, NB, as described on the WMA/NS Power project materials
- Nova Scotia EA identifies a 96 km Nova Scotia section from Onslow to the New Brunswick border
- CIB investment increased to $285 million
- CIB providing $54 million in equity loans to support First Nations ownership stakes
- Project partners include Nova Scotia Power, WMA, MUIN, and CIBC
- Designed to improve grid reliability, support renewable energy integration, and strengthen regional energy sharing
- Nova Scotia Power states the line is planned to be in service in 2028
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.
Nova Scotia Power Inc. (NSPI)
Nova Scotia Power is Nova Scotia’s primary electric utility, providing electricity generation, transmission, distribution, grid reliability, and customer service across the province.
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.
Mi’gmaq United Investment Network
Mi’gmaq United Investment Network is an investment and profit-sharing entity created by New Brunswick Mi’gmaq First Nations to pursue economic opportunities and partnerships.
Ènergie NB Power
NB Power is New Brunswick’s electric utility, responsible for generation, transmission, distribution, and electricity system operations across the province.
The Nova Scotia-New Brunswick Reliability Tie, named the Wasoqonatl Transmission Line, is a new 345 kV transmission line that will run approximately 160 km from Onslow, Nova Scotia to Salisbury, New Brunswick. The project is designed to promote cross-border energy sharing, strengthen energy resiliency across both provinces, and support the integration of more renewable energy into the grid.
In Spring 2025, CIB was working to finalize a loan with WMA to finance the Indigenous ownership stake. This equity investment was positioned as a way to advance economic opportunity and provide long-term financial returns to Mi’kmaw communities.
The project logo was unveiled on March 5, 2025. It was inspired by Mi’kmaw basket weave and was described as reflecting interdependence, collaboration, and the project’s purpose of connecting power grids and communities across two provinces.
By Fall 2025, the Wasoqonatl Transmission Line had awarded the clearing contract to R MacLean Forestry Limited, a Nova Scotia company with more than 40 years of experience.
Nova Scotia Power hosted community open houses in Membertou and Millbrook, with additional sessions planned for Paqtnkek and Pictou Landing. R MacLean Forestry Limited attended the engagement sessions and planned to attend future sessions. Materials shared at the sessions included information about project opportunities and jobs connected to the clearing contract.
In September 2025, Nova Scotia Power delivered the Environmental Monitor Field School. Two new hires from Millbrook First Nation were being trained for activities connected to the transmission line project.
