ONTARIO — The Ontario government has directed the Ontario Energy Board to designate Hydro One Networks Inc. to develop and construct a new priority transmission line linking Sudbury and the Barrie area, as the province moves to address rising electricity demand and reinforce its north-south grid.
The project involves a new single-circuit 500-kilovolt transmission line stretching approximately 300 kilometres from the Hanmer Transformer Station in Sudbury to the Essa Transformer Station near Barrie, along with associated station expansions. The line is expected to enter service in 2032.
The government’s designation also includes development work for a second single-circuit 500-kV line along the same corridor. The additional work is intended to support future generation opportunities in northern Ontario, improve reliability and prepare the system for long-term growth. A recommended in-service date for the second line will be determined by the Independent Electricity System Operator.
David Lebeter, President and CEO of Hydro One, said electricity demand in Ontario is increasing at its fastest pace in decades. He noted that the new line would connect new sources of generation, expand system capacity and reinforce the backbone of the provincial grid. Lebeter added that Hydro One will work with First Nations and local communities to ensure the project reflects local priorities while supporting economic development.
The project will be developed under Hydro One’s First Nation Equity Partnership Model, which offers proximate First Nations the opportunity to invest in up to a 50 per cent equity stake in the transmission line component. Hydro One and participating First Nations will collaborate on planning, development and construction.
Associate Minister of Energy-Intensive Industries Sam Oosterhoff said transmission investments are central to meeting growing electricity demand across Ontario. He described the project as critical to supporting people, industry and economic growth in northern communities, and emphasized the importance of partnership with the Energy Corridor First Nations.
Minister of Energy and Mines Stephen Lecce linked the project to broader economic development in the north, noting that as many as 40 new mines are expected to begin operations by 2033. He said the line would increase power flow between southern and northern Ontario, support responsible resource development and strengthen provincial self-reliance, with the majority of materials sourced domestically.
Chief Ted Williams of the Chippewas of Rama First Nation said the project would help unlock electricity needed to advance economic opportunities and long-term self-reliance for his community and the broader region, while contributing to Ontario’s overall energy needs. He added that the Nation will continue working with Hydro One to ensure lasting benefits.
Chief Adam Pawis of Shawanaga First Nation, speaking on behalf of the 11-member Energy Corridor First Nations, said the Sudbury-to-Barrie corridor must be reinforced to meet future energy requirements. He noted that discussions with the Ministry of Energy led to a memorandum of understanding intended to guide Hydro One’s engagement with member First Nations in planning, design, construction, ownership and operation of the project. He said the Energy Corridor First Nations look forward to working with Hydro One to contribute to a stable and prosperous energy future for both the province and First Nations communities.
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