The Anicinapek community of Kitcisakik in Quebec has reached a historic turning point. After decades of relying on diesel generators, the village is now officially connected to Hydro-Québec's main electricity grid. This long-awaited infrastructure project promises to transform daily life and economic prospects for its residents.
A Decades-Long Wait for Reliable Power
For generations, the remote community located about 600 kilometers northwest of Montreal has lived without a permanent connection to the provincial power network. Residents depended on individual, often unreliable, diesel generators for electricity. This not only meant high costs and constant noise but also limited the community's development and access to modern amenities. The project to connect Kitcisakik involved the installation of 2,000 utility poles to bring hydroelectric power from the main grid directly into the community.
A Ceremony Marking a New Chapter
The official inauguration of the connection took place on December 17, 2025. The milestone was celebrated by key figures including Kitcisakik Chief Régis Pensway, former minister Pierre Fitzgibbon, Minister Ian Lafrenière, and Régis Tellier of Hydro-Québec. Together, they inaugurated the first of the thousands of poles that now carry electricity to the village. This ceremony symbolized the closing of a significant infrastructure gap and a commitment to improving the quality of life for the Anicinapek people.
Implications for Community and Future
Access to reliable, clean, and affordable electricity from Hydro-Québec is expected to have profound effects. It paves the way for improved housing, the operation of essential community services without interruption, and new opportunities for local businesses. The connection also represents a critical step in addressing the historical inequities in infrastructure development between Indigenous communities and other parts of Quebec. For the residents of Kitcisakik, the hum of generators is being replaced by the promise of a brighter, more connected future.
This achievement underscores a significant collaboration between the provincial government, Hydro-Québec, and the Kitcisakik leadership. It stands as a model for similar projects needed in other remote Indigenous communities across Canada, highlighting the importance of sustainable and equitable access to essential services.
