Wasoqonatl Transmission Line
Project Overview
The Nova Scotia-New Brunswick Reliability Tie is a new 345 kV transmission line that will run parallel to an existing line to New Brunswick (NB). The line will begin in Onslow, Nova Scotia (NS) and will span approximately 160 kms to Salisbury, NB.
The project, named the Wasoqonatl Transmission Line is in partnership between Nova Scotia Power Inc. (NSPI) and the Canada Infrastructure Bank (CIB) and aims to promote cross-border energy sharing, enhance energy resiliency across both provinces, and to support new integration of renewable energy to the grid. Currently, CIB is working to finalize a loan with WMA to finance the Indigenous ownership stake. This equity investment will advance economic opportunity and provide long-term financial returns to the Mi’kmaw communities.
NSP maintains updates on their intertie website.
For this project, WMA is Partnered With:
Project Updates
Fall, 2025
The project awarded the Clearing Contract to R MacLean Forestry Limited- a Nova Scotia company with over 40 years of experience.
NSPI have hosted Community Open Houses in Membertou and Millbrook, with upcoming sessions planned for Paqtnkek and Pictou Landing. R MacLean Forestry Limited was in attendance in Membertou and Millbrook, with expected attendance planned for Paqtnkek and Pictou Landing. At these events, NSPI provided materials which shared information about opportunities in the project and jobs with R MacLean in the Clearing Contract.
In September 2025, NSPI delivered the Environmental Monitor Field School. Two new hires from Millbrook First Nation are being provided training for activities on the Transmission Line project.
Significant progress on the construction of the massive turbine pads has also been made over the last number of months, supported by the installation, commissioning and use of the brand-new state of the art concrete batch plant. As of September, 14 of the 24 foundations have been poured.
Spring, 2025
The logo, unveiled on March 5, 2025, is inspired by Mi’kmaw basket weave, conveying interdependence and collaboration, aligning perfectly with the project’s goals of linking power grids and fostering regional cooperation. Wasoqonatl means to “illuminate” in Mi’kmawi’simk – the transmission line lights the path to a sustainable future, connecting communities across two provinces.
