The Ontario government has been the green light to Hydro One to seek all necessary approvals and build a new transmission line in Northeastern Ontario.

The new transmission line is scheduled to come into service in 2030 and will run approximately 260 kilometres from the Wawa Transformer Station to the Porcupine Transformer Station, located in the Timmins area.

“Our government is supporting the incredible growth in Timmins and across Northeastern Ontario by accelerating the development of a new transmission line that will power new homes, businesses and mines,” said Energy Minister Stephen Lecce. “Our focus on ensuring access to reliable and affordable energy is key to ensuring business across the north remain competitive, especially as demand for Ontario’s responsibly sourced metals and critical minerals grows.”

According to Ontario’s Independent Electricity System Operator, electricity demand in Northeastern Ontario is forecast to grow by 28 percent by 2035. This includes new mining developments and industrial loads.

To help meet this growing demand for energy, the government has issued an order-in-council declaring this new transmission line a provincial priority. This will streamline the Ontario Energy Board’s regulatory approval process for this line.

The new transmission line is a significant opportunity to build economic partnerships and advance reconciliation with First Nation and Métis communities, which is key to successful energy infrastructure development in the province.

Hydro One is working with Indigenous communities on early planning and partnership opportunities for the project, and First Nations have the opportunity to invest in a 50 percent equity stake in the transmission line component of the project once complete through Hydro One’s Equity Partnership model.

"On behalf of the Chiefs of the Wabun Tribal Council, we are so pleased with Ontario’s decision to award the Wawa-Porcupine Transmission Line project to our partnership with Hydro One,” said Executive Director Jason Batise. “This project not only provides value to our communities as owners of renewable infrastructure but also increases the transmission capacity in the Ontario hydro grid system that is desperately needed."

Last year, the province also announced two new transmission lines that will run between Sault Ste. Marie and Sudbury to help meet the growing demand for energy across Northeastern Ontario and power the production of green steel at Algoma Steel in Sault Ste Marie.