We want to hear from you

The draft Environmental Study Report is now available for your review and comment from Monday, October 20 to Wednesday, November 19, 2025.

The report summarizes the Class Environmental Assessment process and environmental analysis for the Hawthorne Orleans project.

Read and comment on the draft ESR

Ottawa region

Orléans area reinforcement

Hydro One is energizing life in Ottawa by ensuring we can meet the present and future electricity needs of a growing and vibrant community. To support growing electricity demand in the Orléans area, Hydro One is initiating a Class Environmental Assessment (Class EA) to build a new approximately 12-kilometre, 115-kilovolt (kV) transmission line. This project also includes converting an existing 115-kV transmission line to 230 kV.

Current project phase: Planning - Environmental Assessment

Expected in-service date: 2029

Family gathered at the dinner table

Project overview

Once built, the proposed new 115-kV transmission line will run along the existing corridor, as shown on the map below and on the reverse side of this notice.

While no alterations to the existing transmission towers are required to convert the line from 115 kV to 230 kV, modifications inside both stations will be required to accommodate the increased capacity.

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

We’d like to hear from you

Meaningful and open engagement is a priority for Hydro One. Feedback from residents, interest groups, elected officials and Indigenous communities will be used to inform all aspects of the Class EA and the project.

To provide feedback email us at community.relations@hydroone.com or call 1-877-345-6799.

Project map

View our interactive map to get a more in-depth view of the proposed transmission line. Post comments on the map to share feedback directly with the project team.

View interactive map

 
Hawthorne to Orleans project map
People sitting together talking

The Class EA process

The Class EA will follow the Class Environmental Assessment for Transmission Facilities (Class EA, 2024), in accordance with the Ontario Environmental Assessment Act. This process applies to routine transmission infrastructure projects and ensures that potential natural, economic, social and cultural effects are thoroughly considered before a project begins. For more information, please visit HydroOne.com/ClassEA.

Following approval from the Ontario Energy Board under Section 92 (Leave to Construct) of the Ontario Energy Board Act, and the successful completion of the Class EA process, construction is planned for 2025 with expected completion by 2029.
 

Community engagement

Community engagement and consultation is critical to the success of Hydro One projects. We want to hear from you.

Email community.relations@hydroone.com to join our project contact list and receive updates about the project.

Public Consultation documents

The 30-day review and comment period for the draft Environmental Study Report (ESR) is now open. We want your feedback. Click on the links below to read the draft ESR and learn how to share your thoughts. Any concerns raised will be addressed before we finalize the ESR and submit it to the Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks (MECP).

Once complete, the final ESR will be posted here.

Share your thoughts by phone, email or mail by 4:30 p.m. on Wednesday, November 19, 2025.

1-877-345-6799

Jeff Hankin, Environmental Planner, Hydro One Networks Inc., 483 Bay Street, North Tower, 14th Floor, Toronto, ON, M5G 2P5

Draft Environmental Study Report documents
Read the executive summary (aussi disponible en français)
Read the draft ESR
Download the Notice of Completion of Draft ESR (aussi disponible en français)
April 2025 open house
Download the community open house panels
March 2025 open house
Download the community open house notice (aussi disponible en français)
Download the notice of commencement (aussi disponible en français)

Anticipated project schedule

2024
Commencement of Class Environmental Assessment 
April 9, 2025
Community open house 
October 20 - November 19, 2025
Draft Environmental Study Report for public review 
December 2025
Finalize Class Environmental Assessment 
Late 2026 
Construction to follow approvals 
August 2029
In service
Dates are subject to change.

To provide comments or to be added to the project contact list, please connect with us

Phone Email

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