The draft Environmental Study Report (ESR) is a document that outlines all activities and
findings of the North Shore Link project Class Environmental Assessment (EA) process.
The draft ESR includes but is not limited to:
- Project need and scope
- Study area
- Consultation and engagement summary
- Evaluation of route options and how the preferred route was selected
- Potential environmental effects and mitigations
To help summarize the draft ESR, Hydro One has also prepared a draft ESR highlights
document.
As part of plans to address future growth in northeastern Ontario, the Independent
Electricity System Operator’s (IESO) has identified the need for added capacity in the
northeast. Once built, will reinforce the transmission system in northeastern Ontario
while supporting the growing electricity demands of industries, businesses and
residents.
In addition to meeting growing electricity needs, this new line will improve the overall
resiliency of the northern Ontario transmission network.
Over the course of the Class EA, we studied each route alternative by collecting data
from a variety of sources, such as existing reports and plans, conducting environmental
field surveys and technical assessments, as well as engagement opportunities to gather
input and feedback.
A weighted multi-criteria decision making analysis was used to evaluate the alternative
routes to select a preferred route. The analysis balances project-specific criteria in
four equally weighted categories of evaluation criteria: natural environment,
socio-economic environment, Indigenous culture, values and land use, as well as
technical and cost. Based on the evaluation, route segments 1D and 3B, with a
modification at the southern end of 3B to align with the existing Hydro One corridor
into Third Line TS was selected as the preferred route.
Now that a preferred route has been selected, the Hydro One Real Estate team will work
with directly affected property owners to seek voluntary agreements for the property
rights needed to construct and operate the project.
Pending project approvals, we are focused on starting construction in 2027 to meet the
2029 in-service date.
Please contact us at community.relations@hydroone.com
or 1-877-345-6799 so we can connect you with a
representative from our Real Estate team to discuss next steps.
