June 19, 2023 – Hydro One broke ground on the $268-million Chatham to Lakeshore Transmission Line, which will provide electricity to support the agri-food and manufacturing industries in southwest Ontario.

Through its wholly owned subsidiaries, Hydro One Ltd. is Ontario’s largest electricity transmission and distribution company.

“[…] We’re focused on creating a new electricity network in the southwest that will bring a cascade of benefits, including more jobs and economic growth, as well as equity investment opportunities for local First Nations that will generate revenues for generations to come,” said David Lebeter, president & CEO, Hydro One.

The Chatham to Lakeshore line is an essential part of the plan for meeting the increasing electricity needs in the southwest,” explained Lesley Gallinger, president & CEO, Independent Electricity System Operator.

“In the next five years, our vegetable production growth is expected to increase exponentially to meet consumer demands, and having the infrastructure in place—like this transmission line—will allow our sector to continue to grow and expand,” said Richard Lee, Ontario Greenhouse Vegetable Growers.

According to IESO projections, energy demand in southwest Ontario will quadruple by 2035.

As part of its efforts toward reconciliation, Hydro One has offered five First Nations in the region a 50% equity stake in the transmission line component of the project.

Also, a “significant portion” of the 49-km line will include purchases from qualified Indigenous businesses as subcontractors to Voltage Power Ltd.—the wholly owned subsidiary of Aecon Group Inc. that is constructing the line.

“At Black & McDonald, we’re proud to be a part of the construction of this critical project that will provide this growing region with the electricity it needs to continue to thrive,” said Chuck Mossman, adding “Our skilled team is committed to enhancing the Chatham Switching Station in a safe and sustainable way, with the station improvements providing benefits for everyone in the region.”

The transmission line will add about 400 MW of electricity to the region, and is expected to be in service by the end of 2025.