CIB announces $108M investment for Indigenous-led wind energy project in Quebec

Key Takeaways:

• The Canada Infrastructure Bank is investing over $108 million in a new Mi’gmaq-led wind energy project in eastern Quebec, marking its first Indigenous equity loan in the province.
• The Mesgi’g Ugju’s’n 2 Wind Farm is a partnership between Mi’gmaq communities and Innergex Renewable Energy, and will create local jobs while generating enough electricity to power 20,000 homes under a long-term agreement with Hydro-Québec.
• The project is being highlighted by government and industry leaders as a model for Indigenous economic development and clean energy collaboration, with operations expected to begin in late 2026.

The Whole Story:

The Canada Infrastructure Bank (CIB) is investing $108.3 million to support the development of a new wind energy project in eastern Quebec, including its first Indigenous equity loan in the province.

The funding will support the 102.2-megawatt Mesgi’g Ugju’s’n 2 Wind Farm (MU2), located near Rivière-Nouvelle on Mi’gmaq traditional territory in the Gaspésie–Îles-de-la-Madeleine region. The project is a partnership between the Mi’gmawei Mawiomi Business Corporation (MMBC), which represents the Gesgapegiag, Gespeg, and Listuguj Mi’gmaq communities, and Innergex Renewable Energy Inc.

Of the total investment, $15.8 million will be issued as an equity loan to support MMBC’s ownership stake. The remaining $92.5 million will go toward construction costs. The MU2 project was the only successful bidder from two recent provincial renewable energy tenders to include an Indigenous community partner.

“This project is about building—building clean energy, good jobs and stronger communities,” said Housing and Infrastructure Minister Gregor Robertson. “Through this investment, the Mi’gmaq will advance clean energy, help power homes and secure long-term benefits through community ownership.”

Additional financing for 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.

MU2 is expected to generate approximately 150 direct construction jobs, with at least 30% of the workforce drawn from local Mi’gmaq communities. Revenues will be reinvested in community initiatives.

“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.

The wind farm will be developed adjacent to the existing 150-megawatt Mesgi’g Ugju’s’n Wind Farm (MU1), also a 50-50 partnership between the Mi’gmaq communities and Innergex. MU2 will use Nordex turbines and operate under a 30-year power purchase agreement with Hydro-Québec. The project is expected to power about 20,000 homes and reduce emissions by more than 150,000 tonnes annually.

“MU2 reflects the maturity and determination of our communities to lead impactful energy development on our own terms,” said Frederic Vicaire, CEO of MMBC. “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.”

The project aligns with Hydro-Québec’s Electricity Supply Plan, which forecasts a 12 percent increase in demand between 2019 and 2029. Commercial operations are expected to begin in late 2026.