Image for illustrative purposes

The Ontario government has designated the Greenstone Transmission Line as a priority project, advancing new transformer stations and transmission infrastructure to strengthen the electricity grid in northern Ontario and support development in the Ring of Fire region.

The province has appointed Hydro One to develop and construct the 230-kilometre transmission line, which will run from Nipigon Bay to near Aroland First Nation. The project includes new transformer stations that will enable voltage transformation, grid stability and power distribution to remote communities and future industrial users.

The development is expected to create more than 7,000 jobs and is part of Ontario’s broader plan to expand critical electricity infrastructure, reduce reliance on diesel generation and support mining and industrial growth in the North. The province says 93% of project spending to date has remained in Canada, supporting domestic suppliers.

Electricity demand in northern Ontario is projected to increase by 81% by 2050. Once completed in 2032, the Greenstone project is expected to unlock 350 to 700 MW of additional hydroelectric and other generation capacity, with transformer stations playing a central role in integrating new power sources into the grid.

The project is being advanced under the Aroland–Ontario Shared Prosperity Agreement, which includes $70 million for early development. Indigenous communities will have access to Hydro One’s First Nations Equity Partnership Model, allowing for 50% ownership and participation in decision-making related to transmission and transformer infrastructure.

Source: news.ontario.ca