Lakeshore Infrastructure Renewal Project

Hydro One Networks Inc. (Hydro One) has identified a need to refurbish the existing 115 kilovolt (kV) transmission infrastructure which serves the western Lakeshore area of Toronto.  Four 115 kV underground cables connect Riverside Junction (Jct) located at Windermere Avenue and Lakeshore Blvd to Strachan Transformer Station (TS) located at Strachan Avenue and Manitoba Drive, near the Exhibition Place grounds). The cables were originally installed  in the late 1950s and are  now nearing their  end of life (typical lifespan of a cable is 50 – 60 years).   To ensure that Toronto Hydro customers continue to receive a reliable power supply, Hydro One is proposing to install two new 230kV cables. The cables will  operate at 115kV for the foreseeable future;  the existing cables will be decommissioned once the new cables are in-service.

Download cable route maps: Map 1, Map 2, Map 3, Environmental Features Map, Study Area Map

 Click Map to Enlarge

The project is subject to Class Environmental Assessment (EA) approval in accordance with the Class Environmental Assessment for Minor Transmission Facilities. Visit the approvals section to find out more about how you can get involved in this process.

If approved, this project will involve trenching, and the installation of concrete duct bank for the cables. Tunnelling or directional drilling will be used to run the cables under major transportation routes including the Gardiner Expressway, Canadian National Railway and TTC routes to ensure there is no disruption at  the surface.

Much of the  trenching will take place along the median that divides the eastbound and westbound lanes on Lakeshore Blvd from the Humber River to Parkside Drive. The remainder of the route is through City park lands and road allowance adjacent to Lakeshore Blvd and through Exhibition Place.