After a thorough evaluation of five options, the preferred route maximizes existing infrastructure and improves reliability
WALLACEBURG, ON, June 5, 2023 /PRNewswire/ – Today, Hydro One announced Route 2 as the preferred route for the proposed St. Clair transmission line. After a thorough evaluation of five options, this alternative was selected as 80 percent of the route uses existing transmission corridors and upgrades an existing transmission line. This option has the least effect on values of importance to indigenous communities, as well as to the natural environment, farmland and operations. This route alternative will also involve an upgrade to the Wallaceburg Transformer Station, increasing transmission reliability and resiliency for the Wallaceburg area. The proposed St. Clair Transmission Line will enable economic growth in the area, bringing enough clean energy to the region to power a city the size of Waterloo.
“Through our engagement efforts, we heard that it was important to minimize effects on homes, maximize use of existing transmission corridors, and consider effects on agricultural operations and species at risk. Route 2 was able to accomplish all of this. said Sonny Karunakaran, Director, Project Delivery, Hydro One. “The new St. Clair transmission line will unlock the region’s economic potential and support local supply chains. We will continue to engage with indigenous communities, residents, businesses and elected officials as we expand the system to meet the growing needs of southwestern Ontario.”
“Our government is supporting the incredible growth in southwestern Ontario by accelerating the development of new transmission lines that will power new homes and create jobs in the region,” said Todd Smith, Ontario Minister of Energy. “I appreciate the work of Hydro One and the communities across the Southwest who have worked together to reach this important milestone, which will unlock endless potential for the region.”
“The impact of this new line, once built, will be remarkable for the region,” said Louis Roesch, Director, Essex and Kent, Ontario Federation of Agriculture (OFA). “We continue to work very closely with Hydro One and provide feedback from our members, which is critical as the project continues to move forward.”
“Ontario’s greenhouse vegetable growers are pleased with the progress of the transmission infrastructure investments that the Ministry of Energy and Hydro One have announced and continue to deliver,” says George Gilvesy, chairman of the board. “This project will allow the greenhouse vegetable industry to grow in Ontario, strengthening the domestic food production system and growing fresh, nutritious vegetables, as well as being a key economic contributor.”
“This new transmission line will support local food supply and security, economic development and job creation in our region,” said Jeff Agar, Mayor of St. Clair Township. “This critical project will help ensure St. Clair residents have reliable power for years to come.”
“Southwestern Ontario is growing, and we understand that this network of electrical infrastructure projects is critical to helping meet the energy demand our region will experience for years to come,” said Darrin Canniff, Mayor of Chatham-Kent Township. “We will continue to work with Hydro One throughout the engagement process to ensure clean, reliable energy continues to power Southwestern Ontario for years to come.”
Hydro One evaluated five alternative routes for the new transmission line by collecting environmental and technical information, and gathering input from indigenous communities, community members, municipal staff and elected officials, government agencies, interest groups, and businesses. Hydro One will continue to engage with residents and work closely with property owners to inform the next steps for the project. Residents are invited to learn more about how the route was selected and provide feedback on the project by attending our community open houses:
- Monday, June 26, 2023 from 2 pm to 8 pm at Brigden Fairgrounds, 2958 Brigden Road, Brigden, ON
- Tuesday, June 27, 2023 from 2 pm to 8 pm at UAW Local 251 Hall, 88 Elm Dr. S, Wallaceburg, ON
- Wednesday, June 28, 2023 from 2 pm to 8 pm at the Kent Belgian Center, 34 Byng Ave., Chatham, ON
The Independent Electric System Operator (IESO) projects that power demand in southwestern Ontario will quadruple by 20351. The St. Clair transmission line is part of a network of infrastructure projects throughout Southwestern Ontario that will unlock the electrification potential of the Ontario economy to mitigate climate change and help address this anticipated demand. As part of the company’s path to Reconciliation, Hydro One will offer nearby First Nations affected by the project a 50 percent equity interest in the transmission line component of the project and commits to work to advance the project. in association. The line is expected to be in service in 2028.
For more information on the project and to learn more about the preferred route selection process, visit St.Clair Transmission Line Project | Hydro One. To provide feedback on the project or to be added to the contact list, community members are encouraged to contact Hydro One at: 1-877-345-6799 or [email protected].
Hydro One Limited (TSX:H)
Hydro One Limited, through its wholly owned subsidiaries, is the largest electricity transmission and distribution provider in Ontario with approximately 1.5 million valued customers, approximately $31.5 billion in assets as of December 31, 2022, and annual revenues of 2022 of approximately $7.8 billion.
Our team of approximately 9,300 trained and dedicated employees takes pride in building and maintaining a safe and reliable electrical system that is essential to supporting strong and successful communities. In 2022, Hydro One invested approximately $2.1 billion in its transmission and distribution networks, supporting the economy by purchasing approximately $1.9 billion of goods and services.
We are committed to the communities where we live and work through community investment, sustainability and diversity initiatives. We are designated as a Leader in Sustainable Electricity™ by Electricity Canada.
Hydro One Limited’s common shares are listed on the TSX and some of Hydro One Inc.’s medium-term notes are listed on the NYSE. Additional information can be accessed at www.hydroone.com, www.sedar.com or www.sec.gov.
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1 Southwestern Ontario Mass Planning (ieso.ca) |
SOURCE Hydro One Inc.
© Canada Newswire, source Canada Newswire English
