Line that Brings Light: The Future is Bright

Wataynikaneyap Power stands as a beacon of progress and sustainability for communities across northern Ontario. Responsible for delivering energy to remote and Indigenous communities, the Wataynikaneyap Transmission Project is one of the most ambitious and transformative undertakings in the region’s history. By bringing grid connection to 17 remote communities and extending reliable electricity to areas that previously relied on diesel generators, Wataynikaneyap Power is not just building infrastructure—it’s laying the groundwork for a brighter, cleaner, and more connected future. The transmission lines stretch over hundreds of kilometers, traversing challenging terrain and connecting some of the most isolated communities in Canada.

A Call for Innovation

In October 2024, Detect partnered with Powertel to assist Wataynikaneyap Power in addressing a critical challenge. Two transmission lines, comprising 286 and 332 structures respectively, required a comprehensive inspection to audit construction and maintenance work performed by another contractor. Wataynikaneyap Power had growing concerns about the integrity of its infrastructure, particularly as structures were reportedly sinking or leaning due to the wet terrain. Moreover, despite additional maintenance efforts conducted the previous year by the contractor, doubts lingered about their effectiveness, as traditional ground and helicopter inspections had failed to provide sufficient clarity. Wataynikaneyap Power needed a solution that could rapidly and safely assess the condition of these repairs while identifying potential new vulnerabilities. Detect’s cutting-edge technologies offered the ideal approach.

Innovative Inspection Techniques

Leveraging Detect’s automated flight planning engine, the inspection team accessed pre-planned take-off locations via helicopter. This method ensured efficiency and minimized disruptions in accessing remote areas. Over the course of just nine days, our two drone operators conducted a meticulous inspection of all structures, hardware, and components across both lines.

The project generated an extensive dataset, which was uploaded, organized, and analyzed on DetectOS: our hyper-organized, AI-powered utility asset management platform. Detect’s advanced drone technology, coupled with AI-driven analytics, uncovered a comprehensive picture of the infrastructure’s condition. Beyond confirming the effectiveness of previous repairs, our team identified additional structures showing early signs of sinking or leaning. By acting proactively, Wataynikaneyap Power could prioritize interventions and prevent more significant issues from arising.

Delivering Unprecedented Value

Detect’s inspection didn’t stop at evaluating structural integrity. Every hardware component was scrutinized for potential defects, ensuring that no issue went unnoticed. The results were transformative. Wataynikaneyap Power gained actionable insights into their infrastructure, enabling them to address vulnerabilities with precision and confidence.

Key Highlights

Infrastructure Inspected: Two transmission lines with a total of 618 structures.

Timeline: The project was completed in nine days.

Deficiency Counts: High: 0, Medium: 322, Low: 196.