Ontario plans new link in partnership with First Nations

On 21 November, Stephen Lecce, Ontario’s Minister of Energy and Mines, directed the Ontario Energy Board to amend Hydro One Networks’ transmission licence to enable development and construction of a new priority transmission line between Bowmanville and the Greater Toronto Area.

The proposed project is a new double-circuit 500kV transmission line from the Bowmanville switching station to one of the Parkway transformer stations (TS), Claireville TS or Cherrywood TS. The project would include associated station facility expansions or upgrades required at terminal stations. The line is expected to be in service by the early 2030s.

In addition, the government has issued priority designation to this line and two other projects to meet growing energy demand:

• The reconductoring of a portion of Hydro One’s existing E8V/E9V 230kV transmission line from the Orangeville TS to the Essa TS, expected to be in service in 2027.
• A new double-circuit 230kV transmission line from the Lauzon TS to the Lakeshore TS, including associated station facility expansions or upgrades required at terminal stations, expected to be in service by 2032.

Hydro One will build the line in partnership with proximate First Nations, which will have the opportunity to invest in a 50% equity stake in the transmission line component of the project through the company’s First Nation 50-50 Equity Partnership Model.

“This designation marks another opportunity for Hydro One to invest in Ontario and partner with First Nations and communities to build a strong and secure electricity grid,” said David Lebeter, president and CEO of Hydro One. “The province continues to grow and we must act now to meet the needs of the future. Hydro One’s success is tied to Ontario’s success, and we thank the government for their support. We will continue to work collaboratively with partners to develop and build these critical lines.”

“The partnerships we build today are partnerships that will power future generations,” said Kelly LaRocca, chief of the Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation. “Hydro One continues to incorporate indigenous knowledge and leadership from the start of all their projects, and we look forward to working together again. Our communities need safe, reliable energy, and together we are making that possible.”

Ontario’s electricity demand is projected to grow significantly over the next 25 years. As identified in the Ontario Government’s Integrated Energy Plan, expanding the province’s transmission system is critical to ensuring a reliable and adequate supply of electricity for southern Ontario. This expansion will support economic growth in the region, including the rapidly growing agricultural sector and the future potential growth in nuclear generation.

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