BARRIE, ONT. – The Ontario government is fast-tracking another transmission line project.
The Barrie to Sudbury transmission line has been prioritized, with Hydro One selected to develop and build the new single-circuit 500-kilovolt line that will extend about 290 kilometres from the Essa Transformer Station near Barrie to the Hanmer Transformer Station in Sudbury.
This line is expected to add capacity for delivering up to 1,500 MW northward and 1,000 MW southward, according to a release.
The Independent Electricity System Operator suggests a two-phase plan:
Phase one involves a single-circuit 500-kilovolt transmission line stretching 290 kilometres from Barrie to Sudbury, projected to be operational by 2032. Phase two will see a second single-circuit 500-kilovolt line undergo preliminary development now, ensuring it can be implemented swiftly when additional transmission capacity between northern and southern Ontario is required, as noted in the release.
The Barrie to Sudbury line is expected to generate over 9,000 jobs and will offer significant collaboration and participation chances for Indigenous communities.
First Nations will also have access to Hydro One’s First Nations Equity Partnership Model, which includes First Nation leadership in decision-making and a 50 percent stake in the line.
This announcement comes after a provincial statement made in late January when Hydro One was chosen to construct the Greenstone Transmission Line.
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