Friday, June 13, 2025
The Canada Infrastructure Bank (CIB) announced it is investing $108.3 million, including its first Indigenous equity loan in Quebec, to support construction of the 102.2-megawatt Mesgi’g Ugju’s’n 2 Wind Farm (MU2), located in Gespe’gewa’gi, also known as the Gaspésie–Îles-de-la-Madeleine region.
The project is a partnership between Mi’gmawei Mawiomi Business Corporation (MMBC), representing the Gesgapegiag, Gespeg and Listuguj Mi’gmaq communities and Innergex Renewable Energy Inc.
“With our first investment in a Quebec wind energy project, the CIB is helping another province expand its clean electricity production and expand the capacity of its grid. This aligns with our mandate to support meaningful Indigenous economic and social development while investing in clean power opportunities,” said Ehren Cory, CEO, Canada Infrastructure Bank.
The CIB’s $15.8 million equity loan improves the economic viability of MMBC’s participation in the project, and the remaining $92.5 million is dedicated to the project construction. The project was the only one from two provincial tenders for 780-megawatt blocks of renewable energy to include an Indigenous community partner as a sponsor.
Additional financing to the project includes a $163.9 million green loan, a $41 million construction bridge loan and a letter of credit facility from CIBC, Desjardins and National Bank of Canada.
The MU2 project is expected to generate approximately 150 direct construction jobs, with a commitment to hire at least 30 per cent of the workforce from local Mi’gmaq communities. Revenues will be reinvested into community initiatives.
The wind farm will be located on the Mi’gmaq traditional territory of Gespe’gewa’gi, near Rivière-Nouvelle. It will be developed adjacent to the 150-megawatt Mesgi’g Ugju’s’n Wind Farm (MU1), also a 50/50 partnership between the Mi’gmaq communities and Innergex.
“We are proud to reach financial close on Mesgi’g Ugju’s’n 2 and to continue advancing a project that is deeply rooted in collaboration, sustainability and regional economic impact. We thank MMBC and the Mi’gmaq communities for their continued trust and partnership. This project is a powerful example of how strong Indigenous-led partnerships and clean energy development go hand in hand to generate economic and environmental value,” said Michel Letellier, president and CEO of Innergex.
MU2 will feature Nordex turbines, generating enough electricity to power 20,000 Quebec homes through a 30-year power purchase agreement with Hydro-Quebec. The project is expected to cut emissions by 153,053 tonnes annually and supports the public utility’s Electricity Supply Plan, which forecasted a 12% rise in demand between 2019 and 2029.
“MU2 reflects the maturity and determination of our communities to lead impactful energy development on our own terms. This partnership with Innergex and the support from the CIB demonstrate that Indigenous-led projects can be scalable, bankable, and rooted in long-term vision. It’s a model we’re proud of—one that delivers real value to our people and contributes to the Gespe’gewa’gi and Quebec’s clean energy future. We would also like to take the opportunity to thank our advisers, Plan A Capital and Stikeman, who were instrumental in the success of this transaction,” said Frederic Vicaire, CEO of MMBC.
Operations are expected to begin in late 2026.
Featured image: Snowy landscape with a large wind turbine atop a hill, surrounded by evergreen trees. (CNW Group/Canada Infrastructure Bank)
