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THUNDER BAY, ON, April 24, 2019 /CNW/ - Hydro One today announced the start of its community engagement and environmental assessment on a proposed 230 kV transmission line that will bolster power between Thunder Bay, Atikokan and Dryden. Formerly referred to as the Northwest Bulk Transmission Line, the Waasigan Transmission Line will support economic growth, increase available power and improve reliability in northwestern Ontario. Waasigan is an Ojibwe word meaning "bringing power" and it was selected by the company with local Indigenous community members in recognition of the traditional territories the line will cross.  

"Hydro One is proud to power northern Ontario and we want to continue building critical infrastructure that will grow and strengthen the businesses and communities in the region," said Jason Fitzsimmons, Chief Corporate Affairs and Customer Care Officer, Hydro One. "Community engagement is an essential first step in building a safe, strong and reliable system that will bring jobs and economic growth to northwestern Ontario." 

Initial outreach sessions will be held from May 13 – 15 in Thunder Bay, Kakabeka Falls, Ignace, Atikokan and Dryden.

"Hydro One believes in working with Indigenous communities, residents, businesses and community groups to develop a project plan founded on local input, participation and support," said Fitzsimmons. "We will work closely with communities in northwestern Ontario in the spirit of collaboration, mutual respect and trust."

Through the expertise of local employees and contractors, Hydro One is committed to supporting future infrastructure needs and economic growth in northern Ontario. Last year, Hydro One injected approximately $1.3 billion into the economy by buying goods and services from Ontario businesses.

Engagement sessions:

About Hydro One:
We are Ontario's largest electricity transmission and distribution provider with almost 1.4 million valued customers, over C$25.7 billion in assets and 2018 annual revenues of over C$6.2 billion. Our team of approximately 8,600 skilled and dedicated employees proudly build and maintain a safe and reliable electricity system which is essential to supporting strong and successful communities. In 2018, Hydro One invested almost $1.6 billion in its 30,000 circuit km of high-voltage transmission and 123,000 circuit km of primary distribution networks and injected approximately $1.3 billion into the economy by buying goods and services in Ontario. We are committed to the communities where we live and work through community investment, sustainability and diversity initiatives. We are one of only six utility companies in Canada to achieve the Sustainable Electricity Company designation from the Canadian Electricity Association. Through Hydro One Telecom Inc.'s extensive fibre optic network, we also provide advanced broadband telecommunications services on a wholesale basis. Hydro One Limited's common shares are listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX: H).

Forward-Looking Statements and Information

This press release may contain "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Words such as "expect", "anticipate", "intend", "attempt", "may", "plan", "will", "can", "believe", "seek", "estimate", and variations of such words and similar expressions are intended to identify such forward-looking information. These statements are not guarantees of future performance or actions and involve assumptions and risks and uncertainties that are difficult to predict. Therefore, actual outcomes and results may differ materially from what is expressed, implied or forecasted in such forward-looking information. Some of the factors that could cause actual results or outcomes to differ materially from the results expressed, implied or forecasted by such forward-looking information, including some of the assumptions used in making such statements, are discussed more fully in Hydro One's filings with the securities regulatory authorities in Canada, which are available on SEDAR at www.sedar.com. Hydro One does not intend, and it disclaims any obligation, to update any forward-looking information, except as required by law.

SOURCE Hydro One Inc.