Hydro One breaks ground on St. Clair transmission line

Executive Summary

• Hydro One Ltd. has officially broken ground on the St. Clair transmission line, a $471.9-million infrastructure project designed to support economic development and meet rising electricity demand in Southwest Ontario.
• The project is being developed in collaboration with First Nation partners under a 50/50 equity partnership model, where First Nations hold a 50% equity stake in the transmission line component.
• Upon completion, the line is expected to provide an additional 450 megawatts of clean electricity to the region, supporting the expansion of electric vehicle manufacturing, farming operations, and other industrial growth.

Key Details

• Project Cost: $471.9 million investment.
• Capacity: The line will provide an additional 450 megawatts of clean electricity, sufficient to power a city the size of London.
• Partnerships:
  • Developed alongside First Nation partners, provincial, and municipal leaders.
  • First Nation equity partnership model: Partners hold a 50% equity stake in the transmission line component.
  • Contractor partners: Forbes Bros. Group of Companies and Black & McDonald Ltd.
• Job Creation: Construction is anticipated to generate approximately 70 new jobs.
• Regional Context: Part of a broader network including the Chatham-to-Lakeshore line (energized late 2024) and Longwood-to-Lakeshore lines.
• Demand Forecast:
  • Independent Electricity System Operator predicts electricity demand in Southwest Ontario will quadruple by 2035.
  • Demand across Ontario is projected to surge approximately 75% by 2050.
• Strategic Goals: Enable expansion of electric vehicle manufacturing and farming operations; support a reliable, strong, and secure supply chain in Ontario.

Notable Quotes

• Megan Telford, Chief Operating Officer, Hydro One: "With today's groundbreaking, we're building more than infrastructure, we're taking another step forward to help power the future for the region and province... Together, we're building a more self-reliant and secure electricity system to power growth in every corner of the province."
• Janelle Nahmabin, Chief of Aamjiwnaang First Nation: "This project highlights the vital role first nations have in shaping Ontario's energy future... By bringing indigenous knowledge and leadership to the table, we are helping to build a stronger, more resilient electricity system."
• Stephen Lecce, Minister of Energy and Mines: "The St. Clair transmission line will deliver the affordable, clean power our communities and businesses need to grow and stay competitive. This project is a major step forward in our government's plan to protect Ontario by building a stronger, self-reliant energy system that creates jobs and powers our economy for generations to come."