Why was Route 3 selected as the preferred route?
Since January 2024, we’ve sought feedback and completed studies to identify and evaluate three route alternatives and variations to select a preferred route. Input from Indigenous communities and residents, agencies and the public has been crucial, as well as environmental, technical, and other considerations, in determining the preferred route for the new line.
We used this data to evaluate the route alternatives and select a preferred route that balances the natural and socio-economic environments, technical and cost considerations, and Indigenous culture, values and land use.
The evaluation concluded that overall, Route 3 ranked highest in all the evaluated categories.
Our goal is to continue hearing as much local input as possible about the project so that we can work towards building a line that community members and property owners can see their feedback reflected in.
Please provide feedback at anytime by contacting Hydro One Community Relations at community.relations@HydroOne.com.
How big are the towers going to be and where will they be located?
With the selection of a preferred route, we can begin the detailed engineering design, which will influence the size, location and number of towers required.
What is the need for the transmission line?
380 megawatts of power are required to energize the new EV battery manufacturing facility. To supply this power, Hydro One needs to build one new transformer station and two new 230-kilovolt transmission lines. The two new transmission lines include a 2km double-circuit line in St. Thomas and a 20km double-circuit line between St. Thomas and City of London. Both transmission lines are essential to meet the power needs of the facility..
How have you engaged with the community?
Your feedback is important to the successful development this new transmission line. Since the beginning, we heard from residents through meetings, email, phone, community open houses and surveys/comment forms.
Hydro One also hosted community drop-in sessions twice a week through the summer to continue gathering local knowledge and input on the three original proposed route options. The local knowledge we have received about the environment, including the natural and socio-economic environment, helped us to select a route that minimizes adverse effects to the environment.
Overall, the preferred route ranked highest in the natural environment, Indigenous culture, values and land use and socio-economic areas and technical and cost.
Our goal is to continue hearing as much local input as possible about the project so that we can work towards building a line that community members and property owners can see their feedback reflected in.
Please provide feedback at anytime by contacting Hydro One Community Relations at community.relations@HydroOne.com or 1-877-345-6799.
How will Hydro One mitigate impacts to agricultural lands?
While farming and agricultural operations are considered a compatible use within Hydro One
transmission line rights-of-ways, minimizing impacts to agricultural operations is a primary
concern for the project team at Hydro One. As we continue our environmental and construction
planning for this project, we will look for opportunities to avoid, protect and mitigate any
potential damage to environmental features, including concerns related to soil compaction
and drainage, to every extent possible and, where necessary, make appropriate repairs.
It is our goal to build a transmission line that considers the interests and needs of the
community. Feedback gathered through ongoing consultation with farmers and other community
members will be considered throughout the Class Environmental Assessment process.
How is feedback used as part of the Class Environmental Assessment process?
Your feedback is important to the successful development this new transmission line. Since
the beginning, we’ve heard from residents through meetings, email, phone, community open
houses and comment forms. The local knowledge we have received about the environment, including the natural and socio-economic environment, helped us to select a route that minimizes adverse effects to the environment.
Our goal is to continue hearing as much local input as possible about the project so that we
can work towards building a line that community members and property owners can see their
feedback reflected in.
Please provide feedback at anytime by contacting Hydro One Community Relations at: Community.Relations@HydroOne.com or
1.877.345.6799