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 a new double-circuit 230 kV transmission line between the Lauzon and Lakeshore stations, along with a switchyard upgrade at Lauzon Transformer Station (TS), to be in service by 2032.
This project supports the Ontario government’s plan to enable economic growth in sectors like manufacturing and greenhouse agriculture. It aligns with both the IESO’s Integrated Regional Resource Plan and the province’s Integrated Energy Plan, helping to ensure a reliable power supply and long-term resiliency for the region.
How is feedback used as part of the Class Environmental Assessment process?
Feedback is a critical part of our planning process. Our team will continue to have meetings, workshops, and community open houses to help us gather information that considers the interests and needs of the communities.
Local knowledge about the environment, including the natural and socio-economic environment, was used to help inform the selection of alternative routes and will continue to be used during the evaluation to select a preferred route. Input from Indigenous communities, community members, elected officials, property owners, and other stakeholders help us throughout the evaluation process and identifying potential ways to avoid, mitigate or restore potential environmental effects from the project.
How is the preferred route selected?
Over the course of the Class EA, route alternatives are studied by collecting data from a variety of sources, including 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 is used to evaluate route alternatives to select a preferred route. The analysis balances project-specific criteria in four equally weighted categories: natural environment, socio-economic environment, Indigenous culture, values and land use, and technical and cost.
I received a letter indicating my property might be affected. How can I get more information?
At this stage of the project, our focus is on gathering information and feedback about the proposed routes. Hydro One will be in touch with all property owners along the alternative routes to share information about the proposed routes. No decisions about individual properties have been made.
Please contact us at community.relations@hydroone.com or 1-877-345-6799 to ask questions or share your feedback.
Are there any safety concerns with electric magnetic fields?
Hydro One takes safety very seriously and we design and operate our equipment in accordance with all regulatory requirements. Health Canada has found no conclusive evidence of adverse effects caused by electric magnetic field (EMF) exposure from transmission lines. It also does not consider that any precautionary measures are needed regarding daily exposures to EMFs at extremely low frequencies.
How are the needs of agricultural operations considered in the planning of transmission infrastructure?
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.
