Southwest Ontario

Windsor Lakeshore Power 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.

Current project phase: Class Environmental Assessment

Expected completion date: 2032

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Building a stronger grid for Ontario's future

Project overview

Ontario is facing historic growth in demand for electricity in the next 25 years. New homes are being built, new businesses are setting up shop, farming operations and manufacturers want to invest and grow in the region. In the southwest alone, demand is expected to increase by 73 per cent by 2050.

The Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO) has identified a supply capacity need in the west Essex and Windsor areas and recommended a new double-circuit 230 kilovolt (kV) transmission line to be in-service by 2032. To help meet this need, Hydro One is planning the proposed Windsor Lakeshore Power Line project, which includes a new double-circuit 230 kV transmission line between Lakeshore Transformer Station (TS) in Lakeshore and Lauzon TS in Windsor. The proposed project will also include a new 230 kV switchyard at Lauzon TS, and the relocation of an existing transmission line to connect into the new 230 kV switchyard. To support this work, Hydro One has initiated a Class Environmental Assessment (Class EA) for the project.

The proposed project is part of an expanding network of electricity infrastructure in the southwest that will support improved resiliency and reliability, economic growth and investments, and local food supply and security.

Partnership with purpose

A 50-50 partnership with First Nations

Through Hydro One's industry-leading 50-50 First Nation Equity Partnership Model, First Nation partners will have the opportunity to invest in a 50 per cent equity ownership stake in the transmission line component of this project.

Together, we build a more self-reliant and secure electricity system to power growth in southwest Ontario.

Learn more

Illustration of a transmission tower surrounded by flowers and plant roots

Visit an open house near you

Current open houses

Lakeshore

Wednesday, November 25, 2026

3 to 7 p.m.

Libro Community Centre, 1925 South Middle Rd

Get directions

Windsor

Thursday, November 26, 2026

3 to 7 p.m.

Forest Glade Community Centre, 3215 Forest Glade Dr.

Get directions

See the project study area

Project map

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

Four alternatives were evaluated based on Indigenous culture and values, natural environment, socio-economic environment and technical and cost considerations. Route 2A was identified as the preferred route because it achieves the best overall balance among these considerations, maximizes the re-use of existing transmission corridors and has the lowest number of affected properties.

View interactive map Download map (PDF)

See what's coming

Anticipated project schedule

November 2025

Notice of Commencement of Class EA, release of route alternatives

December 2025

Community open house #1

2025-2026

Consultation and data collection in support of the Class EA

Late 2026

Selection of preferred route and community open house #2

Spring 2027

Release the Draft Environmental Study Report (ESR) for 30-day public review and comment

Summer 2027

Submit Final ESR and complete the Class EA process

2027-2028

Completion of detailed design and other permits and approvals, including Leave to Construct (Section 92) approval from the Ontario Energy Board

Early 2029

Start of construction

End 2032

Line energized

*Dates are subject to change.

Guided by standards

Planning process

The EA process is an important part of our project planning and assesses potential effects of the new transmission line, determines measures to avoid or mitigate these effects, and evaluates the route alternatives to select the preferred route.

The planning of this project will follow the Class Environmental Assessment for Transmission Facilities (February 2024) in accordance with the Ontario Environmental Assessment Act. This planning process applies to transmission infrastructure projects that are carried out routinely and have predictable environmental effects that can be readily managed.

Rooted in engagement and consultation, the Class EA ensures that potential natural, economic, social and cultural effects are thoroughly considered before a project begins. Engagement with Indigenous communities, landowners, businesses, stakeholder groups, government agencies and other interested parties is critical to help us plan a project that that considers the needs and interests of the region.

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

What we shared

Public consultation documents

Project notices

November 2026

Download the notice of preferred route

November 2025

Download the notice of commencement

Community Resources

December 2025

Download the in-person house panels

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

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 increase by 73 percent by 2050.

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 Lakeshore and Lauzon 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 was the preferred route selected?

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.

Land acknowledgement

Hydro One acknowledges that the Windsor Lakeshore Transmission Line project is proposed on the ancestral lands of the Anishinaabe 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 in our shared future so we can improve on our past and energize our combined futures.