Ontario’s Energy Minister Stephen Lecce confirmed that Hydro One Networks Inc. has been selected to develop and construct the Greenstone Transmission Line, a 230‑kV priority project that will link the existing East‑West Tie near Nipigon Bay to Longlac Transformer Station and terminate at a new switching station near Aroland First Nation. The line will include a future second circuit and is slated to be in service by 2032.
The designation follows an Order‑in‑Council and a Minister’s Directive that amended Hydro One’s transmission license, providing regulatory clarity and expediting the approval process. The move removes a key regulatory hurdle and signals the provincial government’s commitment to advancing northern infrastructure.
Hydro One will partner with nearby First Nations through a 50‑50 equity model, giving Indigenous communities ownership of half the transmission asset. The partnership aligns with Ontario’s reconciliation agenda and mirrors the model used on the Waasigan Transmission Line, reinforcing Hydro One’s role as a socially responsible utility.
The project is strategically positioned to support the Ring of Fire mineral development and to improve reliability for northern communities that have historically faced power disruptions. By extending the grid to Aroland and beyond, the line will provide a critical backbone for future mining activity and broader economic growth in the Greenstone region.
Hydro One President and CEO David Lebeter said the designation is the result of “three years of collaboration between First Nations, Hydro One and Ontario.” He added that the line “is foundational to building a secure and reliable electricity system in the north—one that supports every community in the region.” Minister Lecce highlighted the project’s role in unlocking the Ring of Fire’s potential, noting that the line will “create jobs and accelerate a plan to unlock the Ring of Fire’s vast mineral potential.”
The designation marks a significant expansion of Hydro One’s transmission network and underscores the company’s long‑term investment strategy in northern Ontario. The partnership model, regulatory clarity, and alignment with provincial economic goals position the project as a catalyst for sustainable development and a key component of Ontario’s energy future.
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