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Mid-town Toronto Transmission Reinforcement (Leaside TS to Birch Junction)

Maintaining a reliable electricity supply for mid-town Toronto
Hydro One and Toronto Hydro have identified a need for new transmission facilities to serve the mid-town Toronto area. This requirement to increase electrical transmission capacity has been confirmed by the Independent Electricity System Operator and the Ontario Power Authority.

As a result, Hydro One will be initiating a Class Environmental Assessment (EA) study to investigate alternative methods to reinforce electricity supply in this area, specifically the transmission facilities between its Leaside Transformer Station (TS) and Birch Junction (Jct) near Yonge and Birch Streets.

Hydro One has requested that the Ontario Energy Board (OEB) approve the need for the Leaside TS to Birch Jct project as part of its Transmission Revenue Requirement and Rate Application for 2007 and 2008, dated September 12, 2006. Hydro One has filed this document with the OEB and it is posted in the Regulatory section on our website.

In mid-November, 2006, the OEB published a Notice of Application (reference EB-2006-0501) in newspapers across Ontario. The notices published in selected community newspapers serving mid-town Toronto, and in the Toronto Star included specific reference to the Leaside TS to Birch Jct project. The OEB consultation process includes opportunities for stakeholder and public involvement.

Project Details
Upgrading the capacity of the electricity system in mid-town Toronto would involve:

1. Installing an additional 115 kV transmission line (combination of overhead and underground) between Leaside TS and Birch Jct. To achieve this, the existing double-circuit 115 kV tower line along the existing right-of-way between Leaside TS and Bayview Jct will be replaced with a new line to accommodate the additional circuit; and
2. Replacing the existing 115 kV underground transmission circuit between Birch Jct and Bayview Jct., located east of Bayview Heights Drive, just north of the railway tracks.

Hydro One would install the new facilities on property for which the company has existing easement rights or within municipal road allowance. The use of street allowances would not change the existing above-ground uses in the area. The company will attempt to undertake these upgrades without having to acquire addition property or property rights from private or public landowners.

The map below shows the study area for this Class EA project.

(Click map to enlarge)

Environmental Approvals Process
This project will be subject to approval in accordance with Class Environmental Assessment (EA) for Minor Transmission Facilities. The project also requires "Leave to Construct" approval from the OEB.

Public Consultation
A public consultation process will be undertaken in order to seek local input to assist the project team in determining the preferred method for upgrading the electricity transmission facilities in this area. A public information centre will be organized as a forum to seek input from property owners within the study area. Details of the consultation process will be posted in the near future.

Timeline
To be determined.

For more information, please contact:

Carrie-Lynn Ognibene
Community Relations
Hydro One Networks Inc.
483 Bay Street, 8th Floor, South Tower
Toronto, ON M5G 2P5

Tel: 1-877-345-6799 or 416-345-6799
Fax: 416-345-6984
E-mail: community.relations@HydroOne.com