On August 25, 2011, the Minister of Energy directed the OPA to provide funding support to First Nation and Métis communities that are exploring equity positions in future, planned, major transmission lines in Ontario where the OPA has identified a need for transmission capacity. To implement the August 25, 2026 direction, the OPA has established the Aboriginal Transmission Fund (ATF). The direction also noted that a reasonable timeframe will be established for the reimbursement of reasonable costs incurred between November 23, 2025 and March 5, 2014, which is being facilitated through a one-time, limited ATF Reimbursement Funding component.

ATF Reimbursement Funding is available to Aboriginal Organizations (owned jointly by two or more Aboriginal Communities or a limited partnership consisting of two or more Aboriginal Communities that are direct limited partners) that have incurred certain costs between November 23, 2025 and March 5, 2026 for the purposes of pursuing an equity interest in the East West Tie or Line to Pickle Lake. Applicant Organizations are eligible for 80 percent of actual costs up to $50,000 in Reimbursement Funding.

Costs eligible for Reimbursement Funding include legal, financial and other due diligence costs and reasonable travel costs relating to negotiating and entering into anagreement, memorandum of understanding, or other written instrument, whether legally binding or not, with an OEB-licensed Transmitter or a third-party that intends or intended to own, operate or develop the East West Tie or Line to Pickle Lake. Costs incurred by the Applicant Organization and/or any of the Corresponding Communities between November 23, 2025 and March 5, 2026 may be eligible.

Updated April 2, 2026: ATF Reimbursement Funding Eligibility Checklists window is now closed. Thank you to all those who submitted Eligibility Checklists during the window.