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Last Updated January 4, 2005

New Projects

Transmission System Projects

Niagara Reinforcement - Transmission Line Project

Background

The Niagara Reinforcement project involves upgrading existing transmission lines in the Niagara Peninsula between Niagara Falls and Middleport, south of Hamilton. See detailed map (PDF 2.3 MB). This work received Environmental Assessment Act Approval in 1998 as part of the Niagara River Hydroelectric Development. The reinforcement project includes:

Replacing an existing double circuit 115 kV transmission line with a double circuit 230 kV transmission line between Allanburg TS located in Thorold and Caledonia TS located in Caledonia (65 km)
Constructing a new double circuit 230 kV transmission line between Caledonia TS and Middleport TS located near Caledonia (11 km)
Some existing transmission lines and towers between Allanburg TS and Sir Adam Beck Generating Station, and between Middleport TS and Burlington TS may require minor upgrades.

See detailed map (PDF 2.3 MB)

The need for these facilities was identified in the 10-year Outlook Report by the Independent Electricity System Operator (for 2004-2013) and was assessed in more detail by Hydro One. Project construction is expected to begin during the summer of 2005 with the new facilities scheduled to be in service by summer 2007.

The project will increase electrical power transfer capability between the Niagara Falls area and the rest of the province by approximately 800 MW. In addition, it will provide the following benefits:

Facilitate new generation development in the Niagara Falls area
Reduce the risk of supply shortages
Allow for more efficient use of existing generation resources
Reduce transmission line losses.

All proposed system upgrades will occur within existing Hydro One transmission corridors and station properties, with the exception of a small parcel of land (less than 0.5 km) that would have to be acquired from the Ministry of Transportation.

The Niagara Reinforcement project is subject to Ontario Energy Board Approval under Section 92 of the Ontario Energy Board Act, 1998.

Timeline

Click on a timeline box below for more details.

Niagara Reinforcement Project Timeline

If you have a question, or would like to be notified when we've added new information to our site, please contact:

Community Relations
Hydro One Networks Inc.
Tel: 1-877-345-6799 or 416-345-6799
Fax: 416-345-6984
E-mail: community.relations@HydroOne.com

Niagara Reinforcement - Transmission Line Project - Details

1998 Approval of Niagara River Hydroelectric Environmental Assessment		In 1991, the former Ontario Hydro conducted and submitted an Individual Environmental Assessment (EA) on the proposed Niagara River Hydroelectric Development to the Ministry of Environment (MOE) in accordance with the Environmental Assessment Act, 1976. The EA addressed both the proposed expansion of the Sir Adam Beck generating station and the transmission line upgrades. In 1998, the MOE granted the approval of the Niagara River Hydroelectric Development EA which included the preferred transmission line upgrade route. Transmission line upgrades on the approved route have not been constructed to date. Hydro One, a successor company of Ontario Hydro, is now proposing the construction of the transmission line upgrades. While it is not a requirement under the Act to seek additional EA approvals, Hydro One committed to submit an update to the approved EA to the MOE. Hydro One has finalized the update to the EA and will submit it to the MOE before year-end. Download the Order in Council and Notice of Environmental Approval (PDF 1.6 MB).
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May/June 2004 Meet with local utilities, municipal and regional officials to discuss project		A series of meetings regarding the Niagara Reinforcement Project were conducted with senior staff of the Niagara Region and its municipalities (City of Thorold, City of Niagara Falls, Town of Pelham and Township of West Lincoln). Meetings were also held with the City of Hamilton, Brant County, Haldimand County, a major transmission-connected customer, and local utilities (Brant County Power, Haldimand County Power and Peninsula West Utilities). At these meetings, Hydro One presented information about the Niagara Reinforcement Project and discussed potential issues related to the project with municipal staff. Download the presentation from these meetings (PDF 771 KB).
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July/August 2004 Public consultation process		Hydro One held seven Public Information Centres, including one at the Six Nations of the Grand River, in order to provide stakeholders and the public with an opportunity to review the Niagara Reinforcement Project plans and to provide input to the planning process. The locations and dates of the information centres were as follows: July 20, 2004 - Caledonia - Lion's Hall July 22, 2004 - Smithville - Twp. of West Lincoln Municipal Building July 28, 2004 - Thorold - Allanburg Community Centre August 10, 2004 - Ohsweken - Six Nations Community Centre August 11, 2004 - Caledonia - Lion's Hall August 17, 2004 - Smithville - Twp. of West Lincoln Municipal Building August 18, 2004 - Thorold - Allanburg Community Centre The following public notices were published in newspapers to advertise the information centres: July Notice (PDF 735 KB) August Notice (PDF 734 KB). Download the information panels from the Public Information Centres (PDF 4.9 MB).
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October 2004 Section 92 evidence submitted to the Ontario Energy Board		On October 29, 2004 Hydro One applied to the Ontario Energy Board for an order granting leave to construct transmission facilities in the Niagara area. The application was supported by written evidence that details the proposal for the new transmission lines. Hydro One has requested a written hearing. View the submissions to the OEB.
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December 2004 Environmental Update filed with the Ministry of Environment (Phase I & Phase II)		Hydro One committed to submit an update to the previously approved Environmental Assessment of 1998. This update was accomplished in two phases: During Phase I (2003), Hydro One confirmed the validity of the preferred route selection and identified components of the environment that might have been expected to change in the years since the EA was prepared. During Phase II (2004), Hydro One gathered data on the components of the environment that were identified as requiring further investigation in Phase I. Hydro One also undertook public and agency consultations and held discussions with potentially affected First Nations. Additionally, the update addresses mitigations for potential environmental effects. Hydro One has finalized the update to the EA and will submit it to the Ministry of Environment before year-end. View the Phase 1 Update (PDF 3.3 MB). View the Phase 2 Update (PDF 26.3 MB - High-speed Internet connection required).
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Winter/Spring 2004 OEB approval process		As of December 17th, 2004, the timeline for review of the Niagara Reinforcement Project submission is as follows: October 29, 2004 - Application & evidence filed with the OEB November 17, 2004 - Letter of Direction on Notice December 1, 2004 - Notice of Application published December 15, 2004 - Deadline for intervenors to register December 23, 2004 - Deadline for objections to written hearing January 10, 2005 - Deadline for interrogatory questions to Hydro One Networks January 24, 2005 - Responses by Hydro One Networks to interrogatories January 31, 2005 - Supplementary interrogatory questions to Hydro One Networks February 10, 2005 - Responses by Hydro One Networks to supplementary interrogatories.
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