Chatham to Lakeshore Line

Hydro One continues to invest and build in the southwest to improve resiliency and reliability so communities have electricity when and where they need it

In December 2024, Hydro One completed construction - one year ahead of schedule - and energized a new doubble-circuit 230 kilovolt transmission line from our Chatham Switching Station in the Municipality of Chatham-Kent to our Lakeshore Switching Station in the Municipality of Lakeshore.

Read the news release

Current Project Phase

In-Service

Image of Transmission Tower
butterfly on a flower

Biodiversity Initiative

Putting people, planet and communities first is vital to building a clean energy future in southwest Ontario. As part of our mission to manage project activities in an environmentally responsible and sustainable manner, Hydro One is undertaking the Chatham to Lakeshore Line Biodiversity Initiative to invest in the region's natural environment.

Hydro One is funding local projects or activities that focus on habitat creation and enhancement that can be enjoyed by generations for years to come.



Chatham-Kent to Lakeshore Project logo with tagline: Growing locally to power tomorrow 

Hydro One is committed to energizing life for communities, residents, and businesses in the southwest through ​​a network built for the possibilities of tomorrow.

Current project phase:
Construction​​​
Expected completion date:
Before the end of 2025

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For over 100 years, we’ve been powering the region and we will continue to provide safe and reliable electricity where and when it’s needed. As demand for electricity in southwestern Ontario is anticipated to grow significantly over the next several years, Hydro One is planning to begin construction in spring 2023 on a new double-circuit 230 kilovolt transmission line from our Chatham Switching Station in the Municipality of Chatham-Kent to our Lakeshore Switching Station in the Municipality of Lakeshore.

The project required the completion of a Class Environmental Assessment (Class EA) as well as Ontario Energy Board (OEB) approval (Leave-to-Construct application under Section 92 of the OEB Act). The EA was completed in October 2022 and Section 92 approval was received in November 2022.​
 



Map of Rout​e

Chatham to Lakeshore - Area Map​​

West Portion (.PDF)
Central Portion (.PDF)
East Portion (.PDF)​
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Anticipated Project Schedule

  • JANUARY2020

  • Notice of Commencement

  •  MARCH 2020

  • First Community Open House

    (Postponed due to COVID-19)

  •  MAY 2020

  • Virtual Information Session

    (Introduction of Project)

  • OCT/NOV
    2020

  • Virtual Open House & Live Discussion
    (Update on Project)

  • FEB/MAR2021

  • Virtual Open House & Live Discussion (Selection of Preferred Route)

  • JUNE2021

  • Release of Draft Environmental Study Report for Review

  • 2023-
    2024

  • Proposed Construction Start*

  • 2024-
    2025

  • Proposed Line In-Service*

NOTE: All dates are anticipated and could change based on project feedback.
* In order to meet the energy needs of the region as quickly as possible, we are looking for opportunities to advance the construction start time to bring the new line into service at an earlier date.

Public Consultation

The Chatham to Lakeshore Line was subject to the Class Environmental Asse​ssment for Transmission Facilities (2022), in accordance with the Ontario Environmental Assessment Act. The Class EA is a streamlined planning process ensuring that applicable projects are planned and carried out in a man​ner that is efficient and environmentally acceptable. Hydro One began a Class EA in January 2020, which was completed and submitted to the Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks on October 28, 2022. To read the final environmental study report (ESR), click here.

Information about past engagement opportunities, including Class EA materials, can be viewed by clicking open the accordions below. ​​​​​​​

Documents (Archive)
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Class Environmental Assessment - Final ESR - October 28, 2022

Draft Environmental Study Report (ESR) - June 2021

Notice of Commencement - January 2020

Maps
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Refined Route Alternatives

Initial Route Alternatives

Virtual Open Houses, Information Sessions & Live Discussions
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December 2023

  • Download the update emailed to our project contact list.

August 2023

  • Download our construction update emailed to our project contact list.

April 2023

  • Click here to view our community drop-in invitation mailed to properties along the route.

  • Download our panels from our community drop-in in April 2023.

March 2021

October/November 2020

May 2020
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Contact Us

Contact Hydro One Community Relations at 1-877-345-6799 or Community.Relations@HydroOne.com.
 

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