WALLACEBURG, ONT. — After an evaluation of five options, Hydro One has selected Route 2 as the preferred option for the proposed St. Clair Transmission Line in southwestern Ontario.
The alternative was selected as 80 per cent of the route uses existing transmission corridors and upgrades an existing transmission line. It also has the least effect on the values of importance to Indigenous communities as well as to the natural environment, agricultural lands and operations, states a release.
The route will also involve an upgrade of the Wallaceburg Transformer Station, which will increase the transmission reliability and resiliency for the Wallaceburg area. The transmission line would also enable economic growth in the area, bringing enough clean energy to the region to power a city the size of Waterloo.
As part of the company’s pathway towards reconciliation, Hydro One will offer proximate First Nations impacted by the project a 50 per cent equity stake in the transmission line component and is committed to working to advance the project in partnership, the release adds.
The line is expected to be in service in 2028.
“Through our engagement efforts, we heard that minimizing effects to homes, maximizing the use of existing transmission corridors, and considering effects to agricultural operations and species at risk were important. Route 2 was able to achieve all of this,” said Sonny Karunakaran, director of project delivery with Hydro One, in a statement. “The new St. Clair Transmission Line will unlock the economic potential of the region and support local supply chains. We will continue to engage with Indigenous communities, residents, businesses and elected officials as we expand the system to meet the growing needs of southwest Ontario.”
Community open houses will be held at the end of June. For more information visit St.Clair Transmission Line Project | Hydro One.
Recent Comments
comments for this post are closed