Niagara region

Welland Thorold Power Line

As electricity demand grows in the Niagara Region, new infrastructure is needed to ensure the electricity system can continue to support local communities and businesses. Hydro One is investing now to increase capacity, strengthen reliability and ensure the region has the electricity it needs for future growth.

Current project phase: Construction

Expected completion date: 2029

Community open house

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Project map Open house information Project notices

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Community drop in

Welland

Thursday, September 17

4 to 7 p.m.

Royal Canadian Legion 383 Morningstar Ave

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Powering future growth

Project overview

Hydro One is constructing a new 230-kilovolt double-circuit transmission line that will connect to an existing Hydro One transmission corridor in Thorold and the Crowland Transformer Station (TS) in Welland. In addition to the transmission line work, Hydro One is expanding Crowland TS on Hydro One-owned lands to accommodate the connection of the new transmission lines.

Partnership with purpose

Building as partners

Hydro One and First Nation partners are supporting growth in Ontario. Together, we are building a more self-reliant and secure electricity system and advancing meaningful action on reconciliation.

Learn more

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See the route

Project map

As part of the Class Environmental Assessment process, we evaluated route options by gathering environmental and technical data, along with input from Indigenous communities, community members, elected officials, interest groups and businesses.

Based on this information and feedback received, Route segments A1, B2 and C1/C2 have been selected as the preferred route for the new transmission line.

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See what's coming

Anticipated project schedule

Winter 2024

Notice of Commencement and community open house

Spring 2025

Preferred route selection and community open house #2

Summer 2026

Completion of Environmental Assessment and Section 92 approval

Fall 2026

Start of construction

2029

Line energized

*Dates are subject to change.

Guided by standards

Planning process

The project will follow the Class Environmental Assessment for Transmission Facilities in accordance with the Ontario Environmental Assessment Act. This is an important part of the planning process to assess potential natural, economic, social and cultural effects, determine measures to avoid or minimize impacts and evaluate route options.

In addition to the Class EA, the project received Ontario Energy Board approval under Section 92 (Leave to Construct) of the Ontario Energy Board Act, 1998

What we shared

Public consultation documents

Draft Environmental Study Report (ESR)

The 30-day review and comment period for the draft Environmental Study Report is now open.

Start date: July 12, 2025
End date: August 19, 2025

Hydro One values community input and will carefully consider all comments. Any concerns raised will be addressed before the ESR is finalized and submitted to the Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks (MECP). Once complete, the final ESR will be posted here.

Project notices

July 2025

Draft Environmental Study Report Notice

March 2025

Notice of preferred route

November 2024

Notice of commencement

Community engagement resources

April 2025

Community Open house 2

November 2024

Community Open house 1

What these documents mean

These documents summarize the studies, project notices and resources shared during the consultation process. They explain how routes were evaluated, decisions were made and how we engaged with communities.

Answers at a glance

Frequently asked questions

How is feedback used as part of the Class Environmental Assessment process?

Your feedback is important. The local knowledge we receive helps us select a route that minimizes effects on the environment and community.

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

How is the route selected?

Route options are studied by collecting data from a variety of sources, including existing reports and plans, environmental field surveys, technical assessments and community feedback.

A weighted multi-criteria decision-making analysis is used to evaluate route options and select a route. The analysis balances criteria in four equally weighted categories, including natural environment, socio-economic environment, Indigenous culture, values and land use, and technical requirements.

I received a letter indicating my property will be affected. How can I get more information?

After a route has been selected, Hydro One will work with affected property owners to seek voluntary agreements for the property rights needed to construct and operate the project.

Please contact us at Community.Relations@HydroOne.com or 1-877-345-6799

Land acknowledgement

Hydro One acknowledges that the Welland Thorold Power Line is proposed on the ancestral lands of the Anishinaabeg and the Haudenosaunee and is now home to many diverse First Nations, Inuit and Métis people. Hydro One understands that Indigenous Nations have been here since time immemorial and are stewards of what many refer to as Turtle Island. We are all Treaty People and with a commitment to friendship and our pursuit of reconciliation, we are thankful to be welcomed on these lands as partners so we can improve on our past and energize our combined futures.