February 9, 2026 This transmission initiative will generate over 9,000 jobs, stimulate economic development, and enhance economic prospects for Indigenous communities. BARRIE – In a significant move to boost northern Ontario’s power supply and create economic partnerships with Indigenous communities, the government has announced that the Barrie to Sudbury transmission line is now a priority project. Hydro One has been designated as the developer and builder of this important line. Today, Sam Oosterhoff, Associate Minister of Energy-Intensive Industries, along with Chiefs from the Energy Corridor First Nations (ECFN) and neighboring First Nations, shared details about the fast-tracking of this new single-circuit 500-kilovolt transmission line. This line will stretch approximately 290 kilometers from the Essa Transformer Station near Barrie to the Hanmer Transformer Station in Sudbury. The Barrie to Sudbury line will enable delivery of up to 1,500MW northward and 1,000MW southward. The construction of this line is set to create more than 9,000 jobs and plays a vital role in the government’s broader strategy aimed at safeguarding Ontario’s interests by promoting economic growth in northern regions while supporting mining industry expansion and revitalizing local supply chains. Both Hydro One and the government are committed to maximizing Canadian resources; last year alone saw Hydro One direct 93 percent of its $2.9 billion expenditure toward Canadian companies, benefiting thousands of workers across Canada. “Investments in transmission infrastructure are essential for meeting Ontario’s increasing electricity demands,” said Sam Oosterhoff. “These new lines will provide necessary power for our people and industries while fostering economic growth throughout northern Ontario for years ahead. We’re thrilled to be partnering with ECFN on this project as their leadership will be crucial for its success and have a lasting effect on our energy grid.” Northern Ontario currently experiences significant challenges due to outdated transmission systems that were initially designed for smaller communities and resource industries rather than accommodating rising demands stemming from mining developments, electrification efforts, and new industrial projects. Energy demand in northern regions is projected to surge by 81 percent by 2050. With recent studies indicating up to 41 potential new mines anticipated by 2033, an analysis conducted by the Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO) highlighted existing bottlenecks between northern and southern Ontario’s grids. To address these issues effectively, IESO proposed a two-phase strategy: Phase 1 involves constructing a single-circuit 500-kilovolt transmission line covering 290 kilometers from Barrie to Sudbury with an expected operational date in 2032. Phase 2 includes early developmental work on another single-circuit line so that it can quickly proceed when additional capacity is required between northern and southern parts of Ontario. To facilitate this project’s construction efforts, Minister Lecce signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with ECFN consortium members on December 4th last year in Ottawa. This MOU outlines shared goals as well as principles for cooperation while establishing a framework for collaborative engagement throughout this initiative. The consortium aims to expand further as additional First Nations express interest. “With around forty new mines projected by just 2033 alone, Ontario is paving the way forward by speeding up an essential transmission line that will energize our north while boosting our economy,” stated Stephen Lecce, Minister of Energy and Mines. “Developed through genuine partnership with First Nations groups, this new infrastructure will greatly enhance power flow from south-to-north enhancing living standards while enabling responsible resource extraction throughout these areas.” This project also opens substantial partnership opportunities for Indigenous communities actively contributing towards advancing economic reconciliation initiatives within their territories. First Nations leaders will have access under Hydro One’s First Nations Equity Partnership Model which allows them participation in decision-making processes alongside owning half of the assets associated with this electricity route-a major step toward improving economic relations between Indigenous peoples across Ontario while facilitating regional development projects. “The collective voice representing eleven member nations realizes how crucial it is that we strengthen connectivity via adequate infrastructure capable enough not only meet future demands but also promote sustainable growth opportunities throughout our province,” said Adam Pawis who serves as Chief representing Shawanaga First Nation speaking on behalf ECFN members collectively. “In light prior discussions leading into today’s announcement-we had proactively reached out regarding proposing fresh strategies ensuring timely completion aligned respect towards inherent rights tied deeply rooted responsibilities concerning land stewardship-that culminated ultimately setting precedence through formalized Memorandum guiding engagements moving forward involving planning stages taken jointly featuring input given forth local members influencing design choices eventually impacting overall operations long-term thereafter.” Energy For Generations-the first integrated energy plan developed within Ontario-highlights advancements made needed updating statewide transportation frameworks helping drive robust growth among families running businesses alike targeting critical sectors such like mineral extraction operations moving ahead sustainably whilst simultaneously emphasizing need amplify roles played Indigenous leadership encompassing holistic developments occurring around energy distribution networks bolstering chances available fostering further equitable arrangements alongside collaborating closely integrating future endeavors significantly benefitting all involved stakeholders participating across various sectors present today!
Quick Facts
The government has issued an Order-In-Council (OIC) along with directives mandating amendments relating Hydro One’s licensing agreements formally appointing them transmitter responsible overseeing delivering power connecting these lines setup accordingly linking both regions seamlessly together now going forward. Another separate OIC designates one specific newly constructed overhead wire system targeting completion expected timeframe spanning until arrival effective officially circa next decade marked thus becomes highest priority mitigating risks avoiding delays possible further down track later stage milestones achieved. The current coalition forming part comprised within ECFN includes Henvey Inlet , Dokis , Shawanaga , Wahnapitae , Magnetwan , Moose Deer Point , Nipissing Atikmeksheng Alderville Wasauksing Mississauga Scugog Island Ministry engaged consultations regarding suggested routing plans linking barrie sudbury conduits assessing necessary revisions respective procedures consistent adhering regulations defined enshrined Environmental Registry documented thoroughly shared amongst interested parties previously consulted upon openly during deliberative sessions held earlier last autumn months gone past.Quotes
“First Nations communities throughout Northern Ontario continue to show the leadership that is driving economic growth , meeting future electricity demandsand advancing economic reconciliation. In ensuring First Nations are joint partnersin transmission lines electrifyingtheir communities, weare building theshared legacyinfrastructuretodeliverreliablepowerandmeaningfulemploymentforgenerations.” – Greg RickfordMinisterof Indigenous Affairsand First Nations Economic Reconciliation “Our government is proudmeetingthemomentto support Northern Ontario’sever growingelectricitydemand. We understandthecriticalrole Northern Ontarioplayinginunlocking oureconomicpotentialandstrengtheningcommunitiesacrossthisprovince.” – George Pirie
Ministerof Northern Economic Developmentand Growth “Thisnewtransmissionlinewillhelptocreategoodpayingjobsandsafeguardoureconomywhileunlockingthepotentialofour Northerncommunities. Byworkinginpartnershipwithour First Nationscommunities, weareunlockingeconomicopportunitiesforgrowthacrosstheentireregionandthedevelopmentofinfrastructuretosupportaself-relianteconomyintothefuture.” – Doug Downey
MPPfor Barrie-Springwater-Oro-Medonte “Ontario’s demandforelectricityisincreasing, fasterthanithasin decades. Thislinewillallowustoconnecttonewsourcesofgeneration. unlockopportunitiestoaddelectricitycapacitytothesystemandsupporteconomicprosperity. Inpartnershipwith First Nationsandcommunities, wewilldevelopthisprojecttoreflectlocalknowledgeandpriorities,”
– David Lebeter
Presidentand CEO, Hydro One
