Why Institutional Capital Is Chasing Ontario Wind

A major Ontario wind acquisition signals rising institutional demand for stable, contracted renewable energy assets

17 Feb 2026

In early January, Connor, Clark and Lunn Infrastructure made a calculated bet on Canada’s renewable future. The firm acquired a significant stake in two Ontario wind farms totaling 329 megawatts, a move that spoke volumes about where institutional money is heading.

The transaction covered the 180 MW Armow Wind and 149 MW Grand Renewable Wind facilities, purchased from Pattern Energy Group LP. Both projects operate under 20-year power purchase agreements with Ontario’s Independent Electricity System Operator, providing steady and predictable revenue. For pension-backed investors, that kind of long-term visibility is often the deciding factor.

Stability is the currency of infrastructure investing. Contracted assets shield owners from wholesale power price swings and offer dependable cash flow in a market defined by policy shifts and grid modernization. In a maturing renewable sector, operating projects with established track records are increasingly prized over riskier development ventures.

The acquisition also pushed CC&L Infrastructure’s renewable platform beyond 2 gigawatts of installed capacity across North America. That scale is more than symbolic. Larger portfolios allow firms to spread operational risk, navigate regulatory demands, and optimize performance across regions.

Pattern Energy retained a minority stake and continued managing the assets, preserving technical expertise and operational continuity. For buyers, keeping experienced operators in place reduces performance risk and ensures generation remains consistent in a competitive market like Ontario.

Although announced at the start of the year, the deal still resonates. Secondary market acquisitions of operating wind and solar facilities have become a preferred route for investors seeking immediate scale without construction delays, permitting hurdles, or supply chain uncertainty.

The 329 MW purchase was not simply another line item in a growing portfolio. It reflected a disciplined strategy centered on contracted revenues, proven assets, and long-term positioning. As institutional capital continues to shape Canada’s energy transition, transactions like this offer a clear signal: in renewables, predictability is power.