- The proposed North Shore Link transmission line will strengthen Indigenous partnerships and support growing electricity demand for northern Ontario -
Sault Ste. Marie, ON, September 12, 2024 – Hydro One Inc. (Hydro One) is hosting three open houses in Sault Ste. Marie, Searchmont and Echo Bay from Tuesday, September 17 to Thursday, September 19 to advance engagement with proximate Indigenous communities, elected officials, property owners, businesses, residents and other interest groups for the proposed North Shore Link transmission line project (formerly the Mississagi to Third Line).
Hydro One and proximate Indigenous communities continue to strengthen relationships while collaborating on the early planning and development of the project. By actively gathering community input and feedback, Hydro One will deepen its understanding of the region and make improvements to the proposed transmission line where possible.
“Collaboration with Indigenous communities and residents is invaluable, and it’s essential to the success of our new transmission line projects,” said Sonny Karunakaran, Vice President of Strategic Projects and Partnerships at Hydro One. “Once built, the North Shore Link transmission line project will strengthen the region’s power infrastructure. By working with communities to gain insights and listen to feedback, we ensure that the new line will also foster long-term growth and sustainability for communities in the region.”
Hydro One’s proposed North Shore Link transmission line project is a double-circuit 230-kilovolt transmission line between Mississagi Transformer Station, located west of Wharncliffe, and Third Line Transformer Station, located in Sault Ste. Marie.
As part of the company's journey toward reconciliation with Indigenous communities, Hydro One has offered proximate First Nations a 50 per cent equity stake in the transmission line component of the project. Hydro One’s 50-50 First Nation Equity Partnership Model is about more than ownership, the model supports true collaboration with Indigenous communities and businesses throughout the lifecycle of the project. Together, we will advance the project in true partnership and support economic and community growth in the region for generations to come.
Community Open Houses
Hydro One is hosting three in-person opportunities for community members to learn more about the project and share feedback:
- Tuesday, September 17, from 2 to 7 p.m. at Fairfield Inn and Suites, Sault Ste. Marie
- Address: 633 Great Northern Road, Sault Ste. Marie
- Wednesday, September 18, from 4 to 7 p.m. at Searchmont Community Centre
- Address: 734 Highway 532, Searchmont
- Thursday, September 19, from 4 to 7 p.m. at Echo Bay Elks Lodge
- Address: 96 Church Street, Echo Bay
For more information about the project, visit HydroOne.com/NSL.
QUOTES
“We have reached an important milestone in advancing our partnership with Hydro One. While our common goals help us navigate through important discussions, it's our differences that continue to strengthen our business relationship. This next phase of community engagement is vital to the direction and success of our collective investment in bringing new energy security to the region. As Waasmoowin Energy Inc., we are nine First Nations committed to a collective purpose of investment through collaboration.” – Board of Directors, Waasmoowin Energy Inc.
“The North Shore Link transmission line project is a significant step forward for northeastern Ontario, as it will not only enhance our energy infrastructure but also create numerous job opportunities. By investing in this crucial project, we are promoting regional growth and enhancing local communities, ensuring a brighter and more prosperous future for the entire region.” – Ross Romano, MPP Sault Ste. Marie, Chief Government Whip
“Northeast Ontario holds immense potential for growth and development, and this new transmission line is key to unlocking the region's prosperity. By enhancing the reliability and capacity of the power supply, we are paving the way for new opportunities, economic growth and improved quality of life for residents and businesses alike.” – Matthew Shoemaker, Mayor of Sault Ste. Marie.
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Hydro One Limited (TSX: H)
Hydro One Limited, through its wholly-owned subsidiaries, is Ontario's largest electricity transmission and distribution provider with approximately 1.5 million valued customers, approximately $32.8 billion in assets as at December 31, 2023, and annual revenues in 2023 of approximately $7.8 billion.
Our team of approximately 9,700 skilled and dedicated employees proudly build and maintain a safe and reliable electricity system which is essential to supporting strong and successful communities. In 2023, Hydro One invested approximately $2.5 billion in its transmission and distribution networks, and supported the economy through buying approximately $2.5 billion of goods and services.
We are committed to the communities where we live and work through community investment, sustainability and diversity initiatives.
Hydro One Limited's common shares are listed on the TSX and certain of Hydro One Inc.'s medium term notes are listed on the NYSE. Additional information can be accessed at www.hydroone.com, www.sedarplus.com or www.sec.gov.
Forward-Looking Statements and Information:
This press release may contain "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws and “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of applicable U.S. securities laws (collectively, “forward-looking information”). Statements containing forward-looking information are made pursuant to the "safe harbour" provisions of applicable Canadian and U.S. 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.sedarplus.com. Hydro One does not intend, and it disclaims any obligation, to update any forward-looking information, except as required by law.
