Longwood to Lakeshore Project

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

As demand for electricity in southwestern Ontario is anticipated to grow significantly over the next several years, Hydro One is initiating a Comprehensive Environmental Assessment (EA) for two new single-circuit 500 kilovolt (kV) transmission lines from Longwood Transformer Station (TS) located in the Municipality of Strathroy-Caradoc to Lakeshore TS in the Municipality of Lakeshore.

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. This proposed project is part of a comprehensive network of electricity infrastructure in the southwest that will provide many regional benefits including: improved resiliency and reliability, economic growth and investments, and support for local food supply and security. For more information on all projects taking place in the region, you can visit HydroOne.com/Projects

Expected Completion Date

Line 1: 2030

Line 2: will be determined upon further planning by the Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO)

Current Project Phase

Planning

We're here to help you

To provide comments or to be added to the project contact list, please call or email:

1-877-345-6799 Community.Relations@HydroOne.com
image of power lines

Planning Process

In accordance with the Ontario Environmental Assessment Act, the completion of a Comprehensive Environmental Assessment (EA) is an integral part of this project. Rooted in engagement and consultation, the EA ensures that potential natural, economic, social and cultural effects are thoroughly considered before a project begins.

The first step of the Comprehensive EA process is the preparation of a Terms of Reference (ToR), which sets out the framework for the EA. This includes outlining the studies and consultation activities to be completed, along with identifying alternative routes for the new lines within the study area. A detailed map of the route selection study area can be found below.

Once the TOR has been approved, the EA process will assess potential effects of the new transmission lines, determine measures to avoid or mitigate these effects, and evaluate the alternative routes to select the preferred route for each line.

Engagement with Indigenous communities, members of the public, businesses stakeholder groups, government agencies and other interested parties is critical to help us select preferred routes that consider the needs and interests of the region.

Following completion of the Comprehensive EA, the project will also require Ontario Energy Board approval under Section 92 (Leave to Construct) of the Ontario Energy Board Act.

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Map of Project Area and Route Alternatives

The below route selection study area (RSSA) has been identified for further study. Through the Comprehensive EA process, the RSSA will be refined based on feedback received as well as a review of known technical and environmental features and constraints. Your feedback is an important part of the planning process for the project. You can view our interactive map to share areas or features within the RSSA that you feel are important to you or your community.

Interactive Map View PDF
Lakeshore route alternatives Enlarge (.PDF)

We Want To Hear From You

Early, meaningful and open engagement is a top priority for Hydro One. Receiving feedback from Indigenous communities, members of the public, businesses, government agencies, and other interested parties will be instrumental to inform all aspects of the Class EA and project. We invite you to join our upcoming Community Open Houses to learn more about the project, ask our team questions and provide feedback.

Hear From You Image

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the need for this new transmission line?

In Ontario, the Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO) is responsible for ensuring that future energy needs are being met. According to the IESO, electricity demand in the southwest region is expected to quadruple by 2035.

To support this growth, the IESO has identified through their long-term planning the need for the first transmission line to be in-service by 2030. With such significant demand expected, the Government of Ontario has advised Hydro One to concurrently conduct early development work on the second transmission line while the IESO further assesses the future energy needs of the region. This will allow for more efficient planning, as well as more meaningful and transparent consultation with Indigenous communities, residents, municipalities, and stakeholders.

How will you identify the alternative routes?

Route alternatives will be identified within the route selection study area based on feedback received and baseline technical and environmental information collected.

Consultation is a key component to Hydro One’s selection of its route alternatives. We will meet with Indigenous communities, residents, businesses, stakeholder groups, government agencies and other interested parties to understand the local environment and identify alternative routes that consider community interests. At the same time, we will also look at technical and environmental features and constraints such as waterbodies, dense residential areas, and environmentally significant areas, among others. While also looking for opportunities to reduce project impacts such as utilizing existing easements or paralleling existing infrastructure where reasonable.

How will the preferred routes be selected?

Currently, we are completing the Terms of Reference (TOR) for the Comprehensive Environmental Assessment (EA). The TOR will outline how the EA will be conducted, what will be assessed and how Indigenous communities, residents, businesses stakeholder groups, government agencies and other interested parties will be engaged throughout the EA. An important part of this process includes identifying the different route alternatives that will be studied and assessed within the environmental assessment.

Once the TOR has been approved by the Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks, Hydro One will begin the EA. Over the course of the EA, we will focus on studying and learning more about 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 holding a wide range of engagement opportunities to collect input and feedback. Through this process, we will evaluate and compare each of the route alternatives to select the preferred routes for the new transmission lines.

We anticipate preferred routes will be selected by early 2025 and will continue to keep community members informed and to seek your feedback. Please contact Hydro One Community Relations at Community.Relations@HydroOne.com or 1-877-345-6799 to join our project contact list and stay involved.

How will feedback be used as part of the Comprehensive Environmental Assessment process?

Your feedback is an important part of the planning process. It will help us better identify route alternatives during the Terms of Reference, develop and prioritize the criteria we will use to evaluate and compare each route in the evaluation process, as well as identify potential ways to avoid, mitigate or restore potential project impacts.

Please provide your feedback at any time by contacting Hydro One Community Relations at Community.Relations@HydroOne.com or 1-877-345-6799

Public Consultation

October 2023

Project Update

April 2023

In-Person and Virtual Community Open Houses

February 2023

Notice of Commencement

Anticipated Project Schedule

February 2023
Notice of Commencement of the Terms of Reference (TOR) for the Environmental Assessment
Early 2023 - Mid 2023
TOR open houses, data collection, and development of route alternatives
Late 2023
Draft TOR for public review
Early 2024
Proposed TOR Submitted to Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks
Mid 2024
TOR approved by Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks
Late 2024
Notice of Commencement of Environmental Assessment (EA)
2024 - 2025
Environment Assessment open houses and data collection on Route Alternatives
Early 2025
Selection of preferred routes
Mid 2025
Draft EA for public review
Late 2025
Final EA submitted to Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks
2026
Leave to Construct (Section 92) application submission to the Ontario Energy Board*
2027
Start of construction on Line 1
2030
Line in Service

We’re here to help You

To provide comments or to be added to the project contact list, please call or email:

1-877-345-6799 Community.Relations@HydroOne.com