Trusted Legal Partner for Manitoba Hydro’s Call for Wind Power

Indigenous Majority-Owned Wind Power Development in Manitoba

Partnering with You to Power Manitoba’s Wind Future

Thompson Dorfman Sweatman LLP (TDS) is partnering with wind power developers, First Nations and Metis government co-developers, wind power project managers, and prospective lenders to advance wind power projects across Manitoba with proven legal support.

Manitoba's Call for Wind Generating Resources

Manitoba is the Provincial Government-owned (Crown Corporation) monopoly retail electricity provider in Manitoba. Manitoba Hydro’s generating portfolio is primarily hydro-electric, and its power is over 97% renewable energy. There are two independently owned wind power developments in Manitoba producing approximately 300 MW of electricity.

To help the increasing needs of Manitobans, Manitoba Hydro has issued a Notice of Planned Procurement (NPP) 043392 seeking Expressions of Interest as a lead-up to a pending Request for Proposals (RFP) for the Wind Call for Power Project to procure up to 600 MW of wind energy in Southern Manitoba.

RFP Wind Call for Power Project Important Dates

· EOI – issued on MERX June 13, 2025

· EOI – closing date July 11, 2025

· RFP – issued on MERX August 22, 2025

· RFP – closing date November 28, 2025

· RFQS – Issued on MERX October 8, 2025

· RFQS – Closing Date MERX January 23, 2026

· Preferred – Proponents selected March 31, 2026

· Conditional – PPA signed/announced Spring 2026

Resources

How We Help

Wind Farm Development & Land Management

For wind power clients, TDS provides end-to-end property and development services. On the largest windfarm in Manitoba (138 MW) our team negotiated rights and rights-of-way, easements and agreements, creating special ‘Wind Farm’ titles and financing with multiple landowners.

Consultation & Alignment with First Nations

Effective Indigenous consultation is critical to project timelines and risk management. Since the Supreme Court’s rulings in Haida Nation v. British Columbia (2004 SCC 73) and Taku River Tlingit First Nation v. British Columbia (2004 SCC 74), TDS has implemented best-practice consultation models rooted in transparency and mutual respect. Our work ranges from early-stage stakeholder mapping and funding of traditional knowledge reports to facilitating co-proponent structures where First Nations share decision-making authority. By maintaining detailed consultation records and addressing concerns—such as those highlighted in Sapotaweyak Cree Nation v. Manitoba (re injunctions regarding transmission corridors)—we ensure that duty-to-consult obligations are met and defensible.

Environmental & Regulatory Risk Management

Our environmental group guides clients through provincial and federal assessment regimes, including Class 3 and Class 4 licensing under The Environment Act (Manitoba) and CEAA 2012 processes. We prepare and submit EIS documentation, coordinate wildlife and habitat studies (e.g., avian and bat surveys), and negotiate permit conditions to address species-at-risk concerns. Should a third party seek injunctions or regulatory appeals, our litigation partners provide strategic defence or alternate dispute resolution to preserve project schedules.

Financing & Structuring Project Transactions

Wind farm financing often involves a blend of senior debt, mezzanine financing, private equity, and infrastructure funds. TDS assists clients in structuring limited partnerships, securing construction and term loan commitments, and negotiating tax-equity arrangements. We advise on green bond offerings and carbon offset considerations, aligning capital structure with sustainability objectives. Our relationships with financial institutions, venture capital groups, and government agencies streamline grant applications and loan negotiations.

Why TDS

Integrated Service Model

Our Indigenous law experts, environmental counsel, property specialists, and commercial litigators collaborate on every file. Regular cross-practice team meetings ensure no issue goes unaddressed, eliminating duplication and accelerating decision-making

Proven Track Record

We have facilitated the Keeyask and Wuskwatim hydro projects, and led property negotiations for Manitoba’s largest wind farm. Our experience means fewer unforeseen issues and more streamlined approvals

Indigenous Relationships

We have built productive partnerships with First Nations across Manitoba, including Norway House Cree Nation and communities affected by northern hydro developments. Our respectful approach has secured buy-in for multi-stakeholder projects, reducing risks of legal challenges or delays

Local Insight, National Reach

Located on Treaty 1, 2, and 6 territories, we understand local land-use dynamics and regulatory nuances. As the exclusive Manitoba member of Lex Mundi, we provide seamless cross-jurisdictional support for projects extending beyond provincial boundaries.

Our Team

Elmer Gomes

Elmer is a partner at TDS with a practice focused on corporate, commercial and real property law. Elmer has represented developer and prospective developers of Wind Farm Projects in Manitoba, including the largest wind farm in Manitoba (138 MW) and he has continued to provide legal services to wind farm clients over the past decade. He has significant experience in commercial real estate conveyancing, financing, leasing and development and also has experience in mergers and acquisitions. Elmer also has experience and assists clients in technology and intellectual property law issues, including licensing and protection matters.

John Stefaniuk

John Stefaniuk, K.C., is a partner at TDS who engages in a broad practice with emphasis on environmental law, real estate and development law, natural resources and energy, commercial law and municipal law matters. He has particular experience in relation to contaminated sites, mining and mine rehabilitation, wind power development, natural resource development, environmental approvals and licensing, commercial real estate, leasing, financing and development, municipal approvals, taxation and assessment and business acquisitions.

ABOUT OUR FIRM

Thompson Dorfman Sweatman LLP (TDS) combines deep sector knowledge with a collaborative approach to provide comprehensive legal services to natural resources and energy clients. Our Winnipeg-based team serves clients across Canada and the United States, ensuring that each engagement benefits from a seamless integration of Indigenous law, environmental compliance, property and development expertise, and commercial advice.

Comprehensive Natural Resources & Energy Expertise

TDS advises clients at every stage of project development, from initial feasibility and land acquisition through to operations and decommissioning. Our practice encompasses:

Indigenous Law

We guide developers on impacts of Indigenous land claims, treaty rights, rights infringement, impact-benefit agreements, and co-development opportunities.

Environmental Compliance

Our team assists with environmental assessment processes, regulatory approvals (provincial and federal), wildlife and wetlands permitting, contaminated sites management, and ongoing compliance strategies.

Contract Negotiations

We draft and negotiate land leases, easements, power purchase agreements, supply and off-take contracts, and joint venture arrangements to align with commercial objectives while mitigating risk.

Property & Development

We secure clear title, negotiate purchase and lease agreements, resolve title defects, and obtain land-use and zoning approvals

Financing & Tax Credits

We structure project financing—whether through conventional debt, equity, green bonds, or government incentives—and advise on eligibility for SR&ED credits and other clean energy incentives.

Labour & Employment

We counsel on workplace health and safety, collective agreements, site-specific employment policies, and labour relations that reflect the operational realities of remote and seasonal worksites.

Contact Our Team

Disclaimer Until we have done our conflict check and confirmed to you that we will take on your matter, we are not your lawyer and you should not rely on us to protect you. Also, until we have agreed to take your matter nothing you tell us is protected by solicitor/client privilege so be sure not to send us any confidential information at this point.

TDS acknowledges, respects and have the honour of being located on the lands in Treaty 1, Treaty 2 and Treaty 6 territories, the traditional homelands of the Anishinaabe, Blackfoot, Cree, Oji-Cree, Dene, Dakota, Lakota, Nakota and Métis Nations. We also acknowledge that the potable water we drink here in Winnipeg is sourced from Shoal Lake 40 First Nation. We recognize and acknowledge the harms and mistakes of the past and believe in reconciliation, cooperation and moving forward in partnership with Indigenous communities.

DISCLAIMER: This website is presented for informational purposes only. The content does not constitute legal advice or solicitation and does not create a solicitor client relationship.

Winnipeg Office:
1700 – 242 Hargrave Street, Winnipeg, Manitoba R3C 0V1
(204) 957-1930 – 1-855-483-7529 | M-F: 8:00 am – 5:00 pm