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Dunns Valley Solar is a 200 MWac solar energy project co-owned by Garden River First Nation and Neoen, a leading global developer dedicated exclusively to renewable energy. Once developed, it is set to become Ontario’s largest solar farm. Awarded a 20-year contract by the Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO), Dunns Valley Solar is expected to generate more than 382,000 MWh of emissions-free electricity annually, enough to power approximately 40,000 households. The project is also expected to create up to 300 jobs during construction.
Dunns Valley Solar is proposed for development within the Traditional and Treaty Territories of Nations party to the Robinson Huron Treaty (1850) and the Pennefather Treaty (1859), including the Ketegaunseebee Anishinaabeg (Garden River First Nation). The project represents an important opportunity to advance Indigenous leadership, participation, and partnership in Ontario’s clean energy sector.
For Garden River First Nation, Dunns Valley Solar represents more than a renewable energy project. It is an opportunity for the Nation to take a meaningful ownership role in a major clean energy development while creating long-term economic and community benefits.
The project reflects the importance of First Nations being active partners in developments taking place in and around their traditional territories. Through its ownership interest, Garden River First Nation has the opportunity to participate in the project’s development while sharing in its long-term economic benefits.
Dunns Valley Solar is planned east of Dunns Valley on Shaw Road, with the site selected, in part, to help minimize environmental impacts. Environmental and archaeological assessments have been completed, with additional environmental assessment work continuing as the project advances.
Project Lead:
Evan Belleau, Supervisor of Capacity Development
Garden River First Nation | ebelleau@gardenriver.org
