Located some 90 km southeast of Val-d’Or, the Anishinaabe community of Kitcisakik was one of the last in Québec not to be supplied by a public grid. The Animiki Ickote project (“electricity” in Anishinaabe) was implemented to end dependence on diesel generators and provide a stable power supply. Upon completion of the work, more than 400 people and approximately 150 homes and community buildings were connected.
Powering the north with expert engineering and design
CIMA+ carried out the preliminary design and detailed engineering (40%, 80% and 100%) for the new 25 kV LUV-233 overhead distribution line, powered from the Louvicourt substation. Approximately 70 km long, the route ran along Route 117 before branching off towards Kitcisakik and included an aerial crossing of the Louvicourt River (span of approximately 125 m). In total, nearly 2,000 poles were installed along Route 117 and in the community. The design was based mainly on 40-foot wooden poles (Class 1) and composite structures for wetlands and major equipment locations. From the preliminary design stage, the line was sized for eventual operation at 34.5 kV and conversion to two-circuit supports.
Navigating fieldwork and regulatory readiness
The teams conducted field surveys and staked out more than 2,000 structures, compiled an image directory, and updated the geographic information system (GIS). The project incorporated several regulatory requirements, including installation 20 m from the shoreline in certain sections (kilometres 1 to 9) and consideration of the future replacement of culverts along the corridor. In rocky areas, approximately 270 poles required drilling, and stabilization techniques were applied when soil conditions were below class C. CIMA+ also supported the preparation of documents and the obtaining of permits for notices of work, easement acquisition options and road permits, as well as verification of compliance with the Canadian Navigable Waters Act (CNWA) for the river crossing.
From first pole to power on: Delivering lasting community impact
Beginning in 2022, construction accelerated with the installation of the first pole in November 2023. Work continued until 2025, and the commissioning of the connection was celebrated on December 17, 2025. The infrastructure design and construction costs were estimated at approximately $32 million, plus $3.8 million for adapting residences. Government partners supported the upgrading of electrical installations in homes and the conversion of community buildings. The new network has reduced travel for fuel supply, decreased nighttime noise from generators, and improved everyday comfort.