Hydro One is holding three community consultations in June about its plans to build a new double-circuit 230-kilovolt transmission line between Clarington and Peterborough over the next five years.
Formerly known as the Greater Toronto Area East Line, the Durham Kawartha Power Line will run for around 50 kilometres between the Clarington Transformer Station in the Municipality of Clarington and the Dobbin Transformer Station in Selwyn Township just on the edge of the City of Peterborough.
The route for the proposed project will use existing Hydro One transmission corridors where possible. The transmission line would cross a small northwestern portion of Municipality of Clarington, a small southeastern portion of Scucog Township, a southern portion of the City of Kawartha Lakes, a northern portion of Cavan Monaghan Township, and a small southwestern portion of Selwyn Township. Alternative routes are being considered for a three-kilometre section of the project just north of the Clarington Transformer Station.
Hydro One says that, once the new transmission line is completed, it will increase the power capacity in eastern Ontario by over 400 megawatts and increase “resiliency and capacity” for the Peterborough area.
“This new transmission line will not only enhance the reliability and resilience of our energy infrastructure but, by investing in clean energy transmission, we will be reducing our carbon footprint and contributing to a healthier, greener future for our city,” says Peterborough mayor Jeff Leal in a media release.
In addition to continuing to collaborate with the two First Nations in the areas where the transmission line will run (Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation and Hiawatha First Nation), Hydro One will host three community open houses in June to share project updates, present route details, and gather local input.
PDF: Durham Kawartha Power Line Project
Durham Kawartha Power Line Project
The open houses take place at the Solina Community Hall (1964 Concession Rd. 6, Clarington) from 2 to 7 p.m. on Tuesday, June 25th, at the Peterborough Lions Centre (347 Burnham St., Peterborough) from 2 to 7 p.m. on Wednesday, June 26th, and at the Bethany United Church (3 George St., Bethany) from 2 to 7 p.m. on Thursday, June 27th.
“Integrating local feedback and knowledge from Indigenous partners and the community is vital for the planning and design of the Durham Kawartha Power Line project,” says Sonny Karunakaran, Hydro One’s vice president of strategic projects and partnerships.
“Electricity demand in eastern Ontario is expected to grow rapidly over the next 20 years and once built, this transmission line will increase reliability, advance First Nations equity partnerships, and promote economic prosperity in the region today and in the future.”
As part of Hydro One’s “journey towards reconciliation with Indigenous people and communities,” the company says it will offer the Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation and Hiawatha First Nation a 50 per cent equity stake in the transmission line component of the project “and will work to advance the project together in true partnership.”
“Hydro One has set itself apart as a leader in the energy industry, and we are pleased that they have begun to recognize the value in a shared journey of prosperity with our First Nation,” says Hiawatha First Nation chief Laurie Carr. “Their renewed approach is the first step in a long journey of consensus building, environmental and rights protection, and economic empowerment with Hiawatha.”
The Durham Kawartha Power Line project is currently in the planning stages, with field studies and research to begin over the summer in support of a Class Environmental Assessment (EA) required under the Ontario Environmental Assessment Act.
The selection of the route alternative in Clarington would be announced this fall, when Hydro One will hold another series of community open houses.
Assuming the successful completion of the Class EA process next summer and approval of the project by the Ontario Energy Board, construction on the transmission line would begin in 2027 and be completed by 2029, if not sooner.
For more information about the Durham Kawartha Power Line project and updates, visit www.hydroone.com/dkpl.
