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Home > In Your Community > New Projects > Transmission System Projects
New Projects Transmision System Projects Frequently Asked Questions
What is the need for this project? Based on load forecasts provided by the local electric utilities, York Region is one of the fastest growing areas of the province. The utilities in Markham, Richmond Hill, Vaughan, Aurora and Newmarket together with Hydro One identified the need for additional transmission facilities to supply increased load. The need for additional transmission facilities is also supported by the Independent Electricity System Operator, as confirmed in their annual 10 Year Outlook. What other alternatives did you consider? A wide range of transmission options were considered. The two options that were examined in greater detail were options that used existing transmission corridors. The use of existing corridors minimizes the impact on the residents, the environment, businesses and community facilities. Other routes are being assessed, including those identified by the local communities and other stakeholders. Hydro One will also support the development of non-transmission solutions (e.g. distributed generation or conservation) than can meet the identified need for electrical power in a reasonable time frame. Will each of the alternative routes on existing transmission corridors fit within the land available? Yes. The proposed transmission reinforcements along either transmission corridor can fit on the existing land designated for electrical transmission. What is the impact of doing nothing? York Region is one of the fastest growing areas of the province, based on load forecasts provided by the local electric utilities. The proposed new transmission facilities will meet the needs for electrical supply in York Region for the forseeable future. The consequences of doing nothing include: What are Electric and Magnetic Fields (EMF)? EMF are invisible fields found everywhere electricity is used, from toasters to computers to electric power facilities. Health agencies and independent scientific groups have studied potential health risks from EMF exposure for more than 30 years and research continues on a range of questions. To date, a health hazard has not been established. Health Canada has assessed these studies and concludes: "Typical exposures present no known health risks." Hydro One understands that this issue is of concern to some residents
and will make every effort to ensure that information is made available
through workshops, public information centres and at the Hydro
One Web site. Will the new transmission facilities affect the Oak Ridges Moraine? Hydro One's approach to siting transmission lines is to make best use of existing transmission corridors to minimize environmental and community impacts. Our proposed route options cross the Oak Ridges Moraine, but use existing corridors and do not require any additional lands on the Moraine. Hydro One will work closely with Oak Ridges Moraine stakeholders to ensure
that their concerns are addressed at the planning and construction phases,
and any effects mitigated. How long will it take to construct this project? It is expected to take 1.5 to two years to construct the project. We have an in-service goal for the new facilities of late 2006. Can something be done to make the transmission line look better? The aesthetics of transmission line structures is a subjective matter. There are design options including traditional lattice towers and steel poles. Landscaping around facilities including berms, walls and vegetation is common. Hydro One will work closely the local community and Municipal Planning Departments to conform with local development standards. How can I find out about Public Information Centres? Hydro One advertises in regional and local newspapers well in advance. We also distribute notices with the public information centres' details to homes and businesses in the local area. More than 24,000 notices were delivered for the initial public information centres. If you'd like to be notified, please contact community.relations@HydroOne.com Still have questions? We're updating our FAQ section regularly in response to your questions. If you'd like to submit a question, or would like to be notified when we've added new information to our site, please contact: Community Relations
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