Powering Sovereignty: First Nation Co-Owns Ontario's Largest Solar Farm

TORONTO, ON – April 20, 2026 – A landmark project set to become Ontario's largest solar farm is moving forward, powered by an unprecedented partnership that places Indigenous economic sovereignty at the heart of the province's green energy transition. Global renewable energy leader Neoen and Garden River First Nation have been awarded a 20-year contract by Ontario's Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO) for a 253-megawatt (MWp) solar facility, a project distinguished by its 50% equity co-ownership structure.

Located approximately 55 kilometers east of Sault Ste. Marie, the massive solar farm will generate over 380,000 megawatt-hours (MWh) of emissions-free electricity annually once it comes online, enough to power 42,500 Ontario homes. The project, secured through the IESO's highly competitive Long-Term 2 (LT2) Energy Supply procurement process, represents a significant step in bolstering Ontario’s clean energy grid and a monumental achievement for Garden River First Nation.

A New Dawn for Indigenous Partnership

This project is far more than an infrastructure deal; it represents a new model for equitable collaboration in Canada's energy sector. The 50% equity partnership ensures that Garden River First Nation is not merely a stakeholder but a true co-owner, decision-maker, and direct beneficiary of the clean energy economy. This marks the First Nation's first foray into utility-scale renewable energy, realizing a community vision for sustainability and self-determination that has been in development for nearly a decade.

Since establishing its first Indigenous Community Energy Plan in 2017, the Nation has actively pursued solar initiatives and net-zero goals. This landmark project elevates that vision to a new scale, promising significant local economic benefits, job creation, and a sustainable revenue stream for future generations.

Chief Karen Bell of Garden River First Nation hailed the agreement as a pivotal moment. "This 50 percent equity partnership marks an important step in advancing Indigenous economic sovereignty and leadership in Canada's energy sector," she stated. "For Garden River First Nation, this project represents more than energy production. It reflects our responsibility as Anishinaabe people to care for the land while creating meaningful opportunities for our community and future generations. Through this partnership with Neoen, we are not only participants, but decision-makers, co-owners, and stewards in the clean energy transition."

The structure of the agreement reflects a broader policy shift. The IESO's LT2 procurement process, which is the largest of its kind in Ontario's history, placed a strong emphasis on Indigenous partnerships. In a testament to this focus, all 14 projects awarded contracts in the recent procurement window feature at least 50% Indigenous equity ownership, signaling a systemic commitment to integrating economic reconciliation into the province's energy strategy.

Chief Bell commended the collaborative spirit of the partnership, noting it was "built on trust, collaboration, and early engagement." She added, "It is partnerships such as this that help build long-term trust and sustainability for First Nations across Northern Ontario. We commend Neoen for their commitment to working in true partnership and for recognizing the importance of Indigenous leadership in shaping the future of clean energy."

Reshaping Ontario's Energy Landscape

The solar farm's 200 MWac capacity is a critical addition to Ontario's electricity grid at a time of soaring demand. Projections from the IESO indicate that the province's electricity needs could increase by as much as 75% by 2050, driven by economic growth, electrification, and new industrial demands. The LT2 procurement was specifically designed to secure new, non-emitting generation to meet this challenge and preserve Ontario's competitive advantage as a clean energy leader.

The project will play a vital role in strengthening grid reliability and decarbonization. While Ontario's grid is already approximately 92% emissions-free, reliance on natural gas generation is expected to increase temporarily to cover demand during the refurbishment of the province's nuclear fleet. The injection of 380,000 MWh of solar power annually will help mitigate this reliance and support Ontario's long-term climate goals. The IESO's competitive process secured this new wave of renewable energy at costs 21% lower than previous large-scale contracts, ensuring value for ratepayers while advancing environmental objectives.

Construction is scheduled to begin in 2028, with a target commercial operation date of 2030. The project's scale and timeline underscore its importance within Ontario’s integrated energy plan, which aims to coordinate all energy sources to power a growing and electrifying economy.

Neoen's Strategic Canadian Expansion

For Neoen, this award marks a significant milestone in its rapid and strategic expansion across Canada. Since entering the market in 2022, the Paris-based company has secured a portfolio nearing 1 gigawatt (GW) of capacity, positioning itself as a major player in the country's renewable sector.

The company's Canadian strategy is characterized by large-scale projects and a clear focus on building authentic Indigenous partnerships. In addition to the Garden River project, the same IESO procurement awarded Neoen a contract for a second 65 MWp solar farm to be co-owned in a 50% equity partnership with Matachewan First Nation. This brings Neoen's secured capacity in Ontario alone to 718 MW.

Benoit Pinot de Villechenon, Neoen's Province Director for Ontario, emphasized the importance of this collaborative model. "Neoen is proud to be delivering this major energy project for Ontario alongside Garden River First Nation, and we are proud to be a part of advancing Indigenous leadership and participation in Canada's clean energy sector," he said. "We are grateful to Garden River First Nation for their trust and collaboration and look forward to advancing this landmark project together."

Neoen's Canadian portfolio is diverse, including the 93 MWp operating Fox Coulée solar farm in Alberta, the 157 MWp Mino Giizis solar project in Saskatchewan developed with the Anishinabek Power Alliance, and a 400 MW battery storage project in Ontario on the traditional territory of the Saugeen Ojibway Nation. This track record demonstrates a consistent and repeatable approach to partnering with First Nations.

Emmanuel Pujol, Neoen's Regional CEO for the Americas, celebrated the win as a testament to the company's commitment. "In four years, we have grown our secured Canadian portfolio to nearly 1 GW and now, we are set to deliver Ontario's largest solar farm," he concluded. "We look forward to delivering this important project in partnership with Garden River First Nation."