Hydro One applies to build CAD 1.3 billion transmission project in Canada

en.Wedoany.com Reported - Hydro One Networks and Hydro One Sault Ste. Marie have filed a joint construction permit application with the Ontario Energy Board to build the North Shore Link transmission project. The project represents a total investment of approximately CAD 1.3 billion, with the core works being a new 230 kV double-circuit transmission line connecting the Mississagi Transformer Station near Wharncliffe to the Third Line Transformer Station in Sault Ste. Marie, with construction planned to begin in 2027 and the line planned to enter service in 2029.

This project is not limited to building a transmission line alone. Under the plan submitted by Hydro One, Hydro One will simultaneously upgrade the Mississagi Transformer Station and expand the nearby Algoma Transformer Station to meet the connection and system operation requirements of the new transmission line; the Third Line Transformer Station will be upgraded by Hydro One Sault Ste. Marie as supporting works. This forms a complete project scope consisting of a "230 kV double-circuit line + Mississagi Transformer Station modification + Algoma Transformer Station expansion + Third Line Transformer Station upgrade."

North Shore Link has already completed the main early-stage development work. Hydro One launched the project environmental assessment in July 2024, determined the preferred northern route option in June 2025, and continued to advance environmental investigations and preferred route evaluation in 2026. The progress report previously submitted by the project to the Ontario Energy Board clearly stated that it planned to submit a Section 92 construction permit application in the third quarter of 2026, and the formal application submitted in September is consistent with that timetable.

Under Ontario's transmission project regulatory process, North Shore Link must obtain a construction permit issued by the Ontario Energy Board under Section 92 of the Ontario Energy Board Act before construction, while also completing the Class Environmental Assessment process. Hydro One's current project plan shows that the environmental assessment is expected to be completed in the fall of 2026, the construction permit is expected to be obtained in early 2027, after which the project will enter the on-site construction phase.

The need for this project was previously determined by Ontario's Independent Electricity System Operator. Its 2022 Northeast Bulk Power System Reinforcement Study proposed adding a 230 kV double-circuit line between the Mississagi Transformer Station and the Third Line Transformer Station, and identified 2029 as the required in-service date. Hydro One has since advanced line development, route selection, environmental assessment, and the construction permit application in accordance with that need.

The project also adopts Hydro One's Indigenous equity partnership model. Eligible Indigenous communities along the route may invest in part of the North Shore Link transmission line and acquire up to a 50% equity interest; this arrangement corresponds to the line assets and does not automatically extend to all transformer station upgrade works.