Hydro One Designated for the Greenstone Transmission Line Project in Ontario
In a significant development for Ontario's electricity infrastructure, the province has designated Hydro One Networks Inc. (Hydro One) to spearhead the construction of the new Greenstone Transmission Line. This initiative, announced on January 28, 2026, by the Honourable Stephen Lecce, Minister of Energy and Mines, is set to enhance the reliability of electricity supply and drive economic growth in the region.
The Greenstone Transmission Line project is designed to be a single-circuit 230-kilovolt (kV) line that will link the existing 230-kV infrastructure near Nipigon Bay to the Longlac Transformer Station. This new infrastructure will not only enhance the region's electricity capacity but also set the groundwork for a future second circuit. The project is expected to become operational by 2032, marking a crucial step in bolstering energy reliability for the communities it serves, particularly in northern Ontario.
One of the standout features of this project is its collaborative approach with First Nations communities. Hydro One's unique First Nation 50-50 Equity Partnership Model allows nearby Indigenous groups to invest directly in the project, acquiring a 50% stake in the transmission line. The integration of First Nations into the planning and construction phases underscores a commitment to economic development while honoring Indigenous partnerships. As David Lebeter, President and CEO of Hydro One, stated, this line is foundational to establishing a trustworthy electricity system that will support local communities throughout the region.
The economic implications of the Greenstone Transmission Line are significant. The line is anticipated to create numerous job opportunities, contributing to local economic prosperity while enabling First Nations to secure substantial equity ownership in a major infrastructure development. Chief Allan Odawa Jr. from the Red Rock Indian Band highlighted the historical significance of this project, emphasizing that it will lead to improved power reliability for the seven communities currently facing regular service disruptions.
Furthermore, community leaders like Chief Sonny Gagnon from Aroland First Nation expressed enthusiasm over the enhancements to energy reliability that the project promises. Many communities in the surrounding areas have struggled with inadequate energy resources, hindering growth and opportunities. The Greenstone Transmission Line symbolizes not just infrastructural improvement but also a renewed commitment to developing these communities holistically.
The Ontario government has also leveraged this project to bolster its economic strategy, aiming to accelerate job creation in the face of external economic pressures. Minister Lecce noted that streamlining permit processes has made it faster to build critical infrastructure, which will unlock the potential of mineral deposits in the region, also known as the Ring of Fire. This project signifies a strategic investment in both energy and mineral resource development for Ontario.
Chief Yvette Metansinine of Animbiigoo Zaagi’igan Anishinaabek expressed optimism about the future prospects the new transmission line will bring about, as it promises enhanced electricity reliability, laying the groundwork for sustainable local economic growth. Meanwhile, representatives from various First Nations emphasized the project's role in fostering economic reconciliation, with initiatives focusing on skills development, training, and ensuring local community participation in project execution.
The partnership between Hydro One and First Nations highlights a progressive approach toward acknowledging and respecting Indigenous rights and management of local resources. As Chief Gladys Thompson from Biinjitiwaabik Zaaging Anishinaabek noted, this partnership is a tangible step towards economic equity, reflecting the collective effort to develop the local economy while also prioritizing community involvement and investment.
With an investment of $3.1 billion in its networks, Hydro One is looking forward to uplift by fostering local economies, sustainability, and initiating a transformative energy landscape that connects communities across Ontario. As the project progresses, it is expected to set a benchmark for future collaborations between public utilities and Indigenous communities, pushing the boundaries of what successful partnerships can achieve in terms of economic development and shared prosperity.
The Greenstone Transmission Line is a forward-thinking project that holds immense potential for the residents of northern Ontario, addressing both energy needs and fostering community growth through inclusion and collaborative effort.
Overall, the Greenstone Transmission Line represents a monumental shift in how Ontario is not only addressing its energy needs but also in how it is engaging Indigenous communities in a meaningful and productive manner. The realization of this project is not just about building a transmission line but creating a network of opportunities that will sustain and uplift generations to come.
The Greenstone Transmission Line project is designed to be a single-circuit 230-kilovolt (kV) line that will link the existing 230-kV infrastructure near Nipigon Bay to the Longlac Transformer Station. This new infrastructure will not only enhance the region's electricity capacity but also set the groundwork for a future second circuit. The project is expected to become operational by 2032, marking a crucial step in bolstering energy reliability for the communities it serves, particularly in northern Ontario.
One of the standout features of this project is its collaborative approach with First Nations communities. Hydro One's unique First Nation 50-50 Equity Partnership Model allows nearby Indigenous groups to invest directly in the project, acquiring a 50% stake in the transmission line. The integration of First Nations into the planning and construction phases underscores a commitment to economic development while honoring Indigenous partnerships. As David Lebeter, President and CEO of Hydro One, stated, this line is foundational to establishing a trustworthy electricity system that will support local communities throughout the region.
The economic implications of the Greenstone Transmission Line are significant. The line is anticipated to create numerous job opportunities, contributing to local economic prosperity while enabling First Nations to secure substantial equity ownership in a major infrastructure development. Chief Allan Odawa Jr. from the Red Rock Indian Band highlighted the historical significance of this project, emphasizing that it will lead to improved power reliability for the seven communities currently facing regular service disruptions.
Furthermore, community leaders like Chief Sonny Gagnon from Aroland First Nation expressed enthusiasm over the enhancements to energy reliability that the project promises. Many communities in the surrounding areas have struggled with inadequate energy resources, hindering growth and opportunities. The Greenstone Transmission Line symbolizes not just infrastructural improvement but also a renewed commitment to developing these communities holistically.
The Ontario government has also leveraged this project to bolster its economic strategy, aiming to accelerate job creation in the face of external economic pressures. Minister Lecce noted that streamlining permit processes has made it faster to build critical infrastructure, which will unlock the potential of mineral deposits in the region, also known as the Ring of Fire. This project signifies a strategic investment in both energy and mineral resource development for Ontario.
Chief Yvette Metansinine of Animbiigoo Zaagi’igan Anishinaabek expressed optimism about the future prospects the new transmission line will bring about, as it promises enhanced electricity reliability, laying the groundwork for sustainable local economic growth. Meanwhile, representatives from various First Nations emphasized the project's role in fostering economic reconciliation, with initiatives focusing on skills development, training, and ensuring local community participation in project execution.
The partnership between Hydro One and First Nations highlights a progressive approach toward acknowledging and respecting Indigenous rights and management of local resources. As Chief Gladys Thompson from Biinjitiwaabik Zaaging Anishinaabek noted, this partnership is a tangible step towards economic equity, reflecting the collective effort to develop the local economy while also prioritizing community involvement and investment.
With an investment of $3.1 billion in its networks, Hydro One is looking forward to uplift by fostering local economies, sustainability, and initiating a transformative energy landscape that connects communities across Ontario. As the project progresses, it is expected to set a benchmark for future collaborations between public utilities and Indigenous communities, pushing the boundaries of what successful partnerships can achieve in terms of economic development and shared prosperity.
The Greenstone Transmission Line is a forward-thinking project that holds immense potential for the residents of northern Ontario, addressing both energy needs and fostering community growth through inclusion and collaborative effort.
Overall, the Greenstone Transmission Line represents a monumental shift in how Ontario is not only addressing its energy needs but also in how it is engaging Indigenous communities in a meaningful and productive manner. The realization of this project is not just about building a transmission line but creating a network of opportunities that will sustain and uplift generations to come.
Topics Energy）
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