A draft Environmental Study Report (ESR) for the Hydro One Longwood to Lakeshore Transmission Line project is now available for public viewing and feedback.
The project involves developing two new single-circuit 500 kilovolt (kV) transmission lines between the Longwood Transformer Station (TS) in Strathroy-Caradoc and Lakeshore TS along the north side of the Thames River, Chatham, and Tilbury before reaching Lakeshore.
The Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO) has identified the need for the first transmission line to be in-service by 2030, and the Government of Ontario advised Hydro One to conduct early development on the second line due to significant expected demand.
The project also includes the expansion of the Lakeshore TS, including the addition of two 500 kV transformers and upgrades.
Sonny Karunakaran, Hydro One Vice President of Strategic Projects and Partnerships, told CK News Today that there has been a lot of input so far during the public comment period, which is open until October 15, 2025.
"When we are constructing and delivering this, we are able to do so in an environmentally responsible manner without having a severe adverse impact," said Karunakaran.
The draft ESR concludes that potential environmental, agricultural, and socio-economic effects can be managed through measures, including specific actions to limit or avoid potential effects on agriculture, plants and wildlife, water, and more.
Karunakaran urges the public to remain engaged in the process, adding that public comments can continue after the October 15 deadline.
"We're starting to see common themes and trends and so forth, we may take different steps as how to address some of those as we move forward. I'm not saying we're definitely going to do this, but it could be individual outreach or broadcast-style communication," he said.
Click here to view the ESR.
