The wind project was initiated and co-developed by the Innu communities. It stands as their first national energy project and the first wind farm to be built in Québec’s Côte-Nord region. This project also symbolizes the revival of wind energy development in Québec, being the first large-scale wind project commissioned since 2018, and aligns closely with the province’s renewed energy ambitions.
"The word 'Apuiat', which means 'oar' in the Innu language, symbolizes collective effort, movement and common direction. It perfectly embodies the spirit of this project: to move forward together, while respecting Innu values, towards a sustainable future that brings own-source revenues for our entire Nation. This is our first national energy project, but certainly not the last," said Martin Dufour, Chief of Energy Matters for the Innu Nation, and Chief of the Innu Essipit Council.
The wind farm consists of 34 Vestas V162 turbines, each with a capacity of 6 MW, making them the most powerful ever commissioned in Quebec. The electricity generated by the facility is sold to Hydro-Québec under a 30-year power purchase agreement.
An official inauguration of the Apuiat Wind Farm is planned for spring 2026. This event will mark a significant milestone for the project’s partners and for the Côte-Nord region, while highlighting the park’s contribution to the evolution of Québec’s energy landscape.
Key facts and highlights
A project of many firsts: The first national energy project for the Innu and the first wind farm built in the Côte-Nord region.
Shared and lasting benefits:
The Innu will receive their 50% share of the project’s net earnings over the next 30 years.
Royalties of $1 million paid annually and shared equally between Uashat mak Mani-utenam and the municipality of Port-Cartier.
First Nation Businesses: $19 million awarded in goods and services contracts to Indigenous businesses.
Local employment impacts: Over 300 workers mobilized during construction and 11 long-term jobs created locally to ensure operations throughout the contract duration.
Development of Innu expertise: Creation of the first wind maintenance training program for Indigenous communities in collaboration with the Mitshapeu Training Centre, Groupe Collegia and Vestas.
Renewable energy to meet Quebec’s needs: Enough electricity to power approximately 150,000 people annually.
“The success of Apuiat is rooted in the strength of the partnership between the Innu and Boralex. I want to highlight the professionalism and the work accomplished by both our teams, as well as the quality of the collaboration and the learnings we’ve drawn from this project — one that marks the beginning of a new era for wind energy in Québec," said Robin Deveaux, Executive Vice President and General Manager, North America of Boralex.
