| | TIMMINS – The Ontario government has given the go-ahead to Hydro One to seek all necessary approvals and build a new transmission line to meet the growing demand for energy in the City of Timmins and support growth manufacturing and mining across 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 Stephen Lecce, Minister of Energy and Electrification. “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, including the City of Timmins, is forecast to grow by 540 MW by 2035, an increase of 28 per cent. This includes new mining developments and industrial loads in northeastern Ontario. 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 (OEB) regulatory approval process for this line. Ontario has selected Hydro One as the transmitter responsible for the development of this line. Hydro One was selected after extensive evaluation of its proposal and consultations with stakeholders, the public, and Indigenous communities. “Advancing the new transmission line is a critical step in powering the future of Timmins and the mining sector in Northeastern Ontario,” said George Pirie, Minister of Mines and MPP for Timmins. “As Timmins continues to thrive as a key hub for mining and economic activity, ensuring greater access to clean and reliable energy is vital to meet the region’s increasing energy needs that will power the mines of tomorrow, which benefits all of Ontario.” The new transmission line is a significant opportunity to build economic partnerships and advance reconciliation with First Nation and Mtis 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 per cent equity stake in the transmission line component of the project once complete through Hydro One’s Equity Partnership model. “By partnering with First Nations communities on critical energy infrastructure projects like the Wawa to Porcupine transmission line, we are not only strengthening Ontario’s economy for now and future generations, but also advancing meaningful reconciliation with Indigenous communities,” said Greg Rickford, Minister of Northern Development and Minister of Indigenous Affairs and First Nations Economic Reconciliation. “Today’s announcement marks a step toward sustainable growth that benefits every community, ensuring we are Building Ontario the right way – together.” The Wawa to Porcupine Transmission line is just one part of Ontario’s Affordable Energy Future, the government’s vision as it plans for rising energy demand, which includes: | |
| | Quotes "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. This project not only provides value to our communities as owners of renewable infrastructure but increases the transmission capacity in the Ontario hydro grid system that is desperately needed. We look forward to working with the Ministry of Energy and Electrification and other stakeholders as we plan and build the hydro line over the next four years." - Executive Director Jason Batise
Chiefs of the Wabun Tribal Council "Electricity is the backbone of our economy and Hydro One provides the power needed to support daily life and attract new growth and investment in communities across the province. This designation acknowledges how Hydro One has prioritized Indigenous partnerships and reconciliation. We thank the government for their support and will continue to work in collaboration with partners to develop and build this critical line." - David Lebeter
President and Chief Executive Officer, Hydro One "As Ontario’s critical minerals, precious and base metals hub, the City of Timmins cannot stress the importance of this transmission line for mining, new development and economic investment. Access to a stable and reliable energy source will allow local businesses to remain competitive and support the increase in demand from supply chain growth and other target sector expansion. Timmins and the region can now proactively plan for the future knowing that we will have the infrastructure and energy in place to support large-scale development and accommodate a greater workforce and population." - Mayor Michelle Boileau
City of Timmins "The construction of the Wawa to Porcupine transmission line is a pivotal step in supporting the growth of sustainable industries in Northeastern Ontario. For Algoma Steel, this investment aligns perfectly with our transition to Electric Arc Furnace technology, enabling cleaner and more energy-efficient steel production. Reliable access to affordable, clean energy is fundamental to powering our EAF project and achieving our vision of producing green steel while contributing to the economic and environmental prosperity of the region." - CEO Mike Garcia
Algoma Steel | |