Ontario Approves New Transmission Line to Power Growth in Timmins and Northeastern Ontario

TIMMINS, ON – The Ontario government has announced its approval for Hydro One to proceed with a new 260-kilometre transmission line to meet the increasing energy demands in the City of Timmins and surrounding Northeastern Ontario. The Wawa to Porcupine transmission line, slated for completion in 2030, aims to support the region’s booming mining and manufacturing sectors.

Stephen Lecce, Minister of Energy and Electrification, highlighted the significance of the project: “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. Our focus on ensuring access to reliable and affordable energy is key to ensuring businesses across the north remain competitive, especially as demand for Ontario’s responsibly sourced metals and critical minerals grows.”

Rising Energy Needs in Northeastern Ontario

The region’s energy demand is forecast to grow by 28 percent, or 540 MW, by 2035, according to Ontario’s Independent Electricity System Operator. This increase is driven by industrial growth, particularly new mining developments. To expedite the project, the government has designated the line a provincial priority, streamlining the regulatory approval process.

Hydro One has been selected to develop the line after extensive consultations with stakeholders, Indigenous communities, and the public.

George Pirie, Minister of Mines and MPP for Timmins, emphasized the line’s importance: “Advancing the new transmission line is a critical step in powering the future of Timmins and the mining sector in Northeastern Ontario. 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.”

Indigenous Partnership Opportunities

The project also aims to strengthen economic partnerships with First Nation and Métis communities. Hydro One’s Equity Partnership model will offer First Nations a 50 percent equity stake in the transmission line’s component upon its completion.

Greg Rickford, Minister of Northern Development and Minister of Indigenous Affairs and First Nations Economic Reconciliation, described the project as a step toward sustainable growth: “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.”

Part of Ontario’s Broader Energy Vision

The Wawa to Porcupine transmission line is a cornerstone of Ontario’s broader Affordable Energy Future strategy. Key components of the strategy include:

• Energy Planning: Developing an integrated energy plan encompassing electricity, natural gas, and other fuels.
• Nuclear Energy: Advancing clean energy through new builds at Bruce Power, small modular reactors at Darlington, and refurbishing the Pickering Nuclear Generation Station.
• New Transmission Infrastructure: Supporting job creation through prioritized projects in Southwestern, Northeastern, and Eastern Ontario.
• Cost Savings: Expanding energy efficiency programs to reduce electricity usage for families and businesses.
• Competitive Procurements: Launching the province’s largest procurement of clean energy resources and renegotiating existing contracts at a 30 percent discount.

The Wawa to Porcupine Transmission Line underscores Ontario’s commitment to building sustainable and reliable energy infrastructure to support the region’s growth and ensure economic prosperity.

SOURCES: Province of Ontario