Project Background & Need
The existing high-voltage transmission system between Sudbury and Barrie is currently, just adequate to meet today's power transfer needs. The system has no capacity to accommodate increased generation.
The development of major renewable energy generation in northern Ontario has created a need to increase the capacity of this high-voltage transmission system to deliver more electricity between northern and southern Ontario. This need was identified by the Independent Electricity System Operator in its June 2006 Ontario Reliability Outlook and confirmed by the Ontario Power Authority.
To address this need, Hydro One proposes to build a new transmission station at the midpoint of the two existing 500-kV transmission lines between Hanmer Transformer Station (TS) in Sudbury and Essa TS outside of Barrie. The proposed Nobel Station will increase the flow of electricity between northern Ontario and southern Ontario by about 600 megawatts. The proposed in-service date is September 2009. Together with the extension of the generation rejection scheme in the northeast, the capability of the existing lines will be increased by up to 1000 MW.
Alternative Site
In 1988, Ontario Hydro (predecessor of Hydro One) undertook a site selection and environmental assessment for a proposed switching station to increase power transfer capability of the two 500-kV transmission lines along the the 500 kV transmission corridor connecting Hamner TS in Sudbury and Essa TS outside of Barrie. Following a consultation process with municipal officials, provincial agencies, directly affected landowners and the general public, a preferred location was selected based on a comparison of the technical, environmental and landuse characteristics of seven locations. Although the project was approved and the property purchased by Ontario Hydro, the proposed Nobel Switching Station was not constructed since the forecast load growth did not materialize and generation development in the North was uncertain at that time. For more information, read the 
1988 Nobel Switching Station Class EA Report (4.1 MB).
Preferred Site
The proposed Nobel Station would be located on Hydro One property in the Municipality of McDougall, approximately 700 metres south of the community of Waubamik and about 6 km southwest of the community of Nobel. The location of the station was chosen near Parry Sound (approximately 20 km to the south) as this is the midpoint between Sudbury and Barrie and the optimal location for improving the transmission flow from north to south. The station would be approximately 4 hectares in size.
Proposed Nobel Station Site Relocation
Subsequent to the Public Information Centre held on December 7, 2006 and initiation of the 60-day draft ESR review period, Hydro One staff has had an opportunity to revisit the proposed Nobel Station site area. Based on public input and additional technical information, Hydro One proposes to relocate the proposed Nobel Station from directly adjacent to transmission tower 401 further north (approximately 250 metres) to a location of lower gradient between transmission towers 401 and 400. In addition, the station equipment will be situated on two adjacent footprints as shown on the map below. This relocation further increases the distance between the proposed Nobel Station and the nearest residence, eliminates its visibility from the Hydro One right-of-way on the top of grade on the south side of Kirkham Road (and from adjacent residential property on Kirkham Road) and takes advantage of flatter terrain, eliminating the need to blast bedrock outcrops and minimizing the use of fill material and grading.
Access Road Analysis
As indicated in the draft ESR, initially three potential access routes were being considered. All are existing roads/trails which are accessible from Kirkham Road:
- Pete's Hill Road to the east;
- Fire Route 208 to the west; and
- Off Kirkham Road at the Hydro One corridor along the Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs Trail C.
Direct access from Kirkham Road (at the point where the Hydro One eastern transmission line intersects the road) was rejected as an option due to the need for blasting and associated effects on nearby residents; potential interference with a major snowmobile trail; and the potential for increased entry to the Hydro One property by unauthorized traffic directly from Kirkham Road.
The Pete's Hill Road access was rejected as an option due to the potential conflict with CN railway operations (immediately adjacent to the south of the route), the presence of a steep grade, the need for significant upgrading of the road and the greater route length.
Access using Fire Route 208 is the preferred option since the road is in good condition and requires the least upgrading. Further access to the north to the Nobel Station site would be provided by the Hydro One western transmission line corridor which will also facilitate tapping operations between the proposed Nobel Station and the western transmission line. The proposed access road from the western transmission line corridor through the forested area to the station will also provide for greater security from unauthorized entry since it is more remote and a greater distance from Kirkham Road. Entry to the site will be further restricted at the right-of-way/forested area interface.
Proposed Transmission Facilities
The proposed Nobel Station will enable Hydro One to maximize the use of the existing transmission lines. It will also help to supply the Province of Ontario with clean and affordable renewable energy. Major station equipment will include:
- two 750 VAR series capacitor banks
- current limiting damping circuit
- Metal Oxide Varistors for over voltage protection
- spark (bypass) gaps.