Chatham to Lakeshore Line

Hydro One is committed to energizing life for communities, residents, and businesses in the southwest through ​​a network built for the possibilities of tomorrow.

For over 100 years, we’ve been powering the region and we will continue to provide safe and reliable electricity where and when it’s needed. Hydro One began construction in spring/summer 2023 on a new double-circuit 230 kilovolt transmission line from our Chatham Switching Station in the Municipality of Chatham-Kent to our Lakeshore Switching Station in the Municipality of Lakeshore.

The project required the completion of a Class Environmental Assessment (Class EA) as well as Ontario Energy Board (OEB) approval (Leave-to-Construct application under Section 92 of the OEB Act). The EA was completed in October 2022 and Section 92 approval was received in November 2022.​

Current Project Phase

Construction

Expected Completion Date

Before the end of 2024

Learn about our updated timeline

We're here to help you

To provide comments or to be added to the project contact list, please call or email:

1-877-345-6799 Community.Relations@HydroOne.com
Image of Transmission Tower
butterfly on a flower

Biodiversity Initiative

Putting people, planet and communities first is vital to building a clean energy future in southwest Ontario. As part of our mission to manage project activities in an environmentally responsible and sustainable manner, Hydro One is launching the Chatham to Lakeshore Line Biodiversity Initiative to invest in the region's natural environment.

Hydro One is accepting applications to fund projects or activities that focus on habitat creation and enhancement that can be enjoyed by generations for years to come.

To apply, please review the application guidelines and eligibility criteria.

The deadline for applications has been extended to Friday, January 26th, 2024.

View Guidelines Download Letter of Interest


Chatham-Kent to Lakeshore Project logo with tagline: Growing locally to power tomorrow 

Hydro One is committed to energizing life for communities, residents, and businesses in the southwest through ​​a network built for the possibilities of tomorrow.

Current project phase:
Construction​​​
Expected completion date:
Before the end of 2025

​


For over 100 years, we’ve been powering the region and we will continue to provide safe and reliable electricity where and when it’s needed. As demand for electricity in southwestern Ontario is anticipated to grow significantly over the next several years, Hydro One is planning to begin construction in spring 2023 on a new double-circuit 230 kilovolt transmission line from our Chatham Switching Station in the Municipality of Chatham-Kent to our Lakeshore Switching Station in the Municipality of Lakeshore.

The project required the completion of a Class Environmental Assessment (Class EA) as well as Ontario Energy Board (OEB) approval (Leave-to-Construct application under Section 92 of the OEB Act). The EA was completed in October 2022 and Section 92 approval was received in November 2022.​
 



Map of Rout​e

Interactive Map 
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Chatham to Lakeshore - Area Map​​

West Portion (.PDF)
Central Portion (.PDF)
East Portion (.PDF)​
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Construction Updates

Construction began in spring/summer 2023 and is being completed by Hydro One's contractor, Voltage Power. To learn more about our construction activities please click the button below and stay updated by joining our construction project contact list.

Learn more about our construction activities


Frequently Asked Questions

What are your general working hours?
 

Our contractor will generally work Monday to Sunday between 7:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. with additional time required for certain activities.

What is the construction schedule?
 

We anticipate construction will begin spring 2023 and the line will be in service before the end of 2025. Our contractor will begin work in Chatham and move southwest towards Lakeshore. Voltage Power will also work directly with affected property owners prior to construction. View our panels from our community drop-in in April 2023.

Will you need to build access roads?
 

Our contractor will be required to build temporary access roads along the route and will work with property owners. Access roads will be mostly gravel with some wooden mats in some sections.

How heavy is your equipment?
 

Voltage Power will use a variety of equipment such as light-duty trucks to mobile cranes. The heaviest piece of equipment (mobile cranes) are approximately 150,000 lbs, with weight spread over several axles. In addition, crews will use wooden mats and other protective measures.

Who can I contact if I have concerns about construction activities on my property?
 

Anticipated Project Schedule

  • JANUARY2020

  • Notice of Commencement

  •  MARCH 2020

  • First Community Open House

    (Postponed due to COVID-19)

  •  MAY 2020

  • Virtual Information Session

    (Introduction of Project)

  • OCT/NOV
    2020

  • Virtual Open House & Live Discussion
    (Update on Project)

  • FEB/MAR2021

  • Virtual Open House & Live Discussion (Selection of Preferred Route)

  • JUNE2021

  • Release of Draft Environmental Study Report for Review

  • 2023-
    2024

  • Proposed Construction Start*

  • 2024-
    2025

  • Proposed Line In-Service*

NOTE: All dates are anticipated and could change based on project feedback.
* In order to meet the energy needs of the region as quickly as possible, we are looking for opportunities to advance the construction start time to bring the new line into service at an earlier date.

Public Consultation

The Chatham to Lakeshore Line was subject to the Class Environmental Asse​ssment for Minor Transmission Facilities (2022), in accordance with the Ontario Environmental Assessment Act. The Class EA is a streamlined planning process ensuring that applicable projects are planned and carried out in a manner that is efficient and environmentally acceptable. Hydro One began a Class EA in January 2020, which was completed and submitted to the Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks on October 28, 2022. To read the final environmental study report (ESR), click here.

Information about past engagement opportunities, including Class EA materials, can be viewed by clicking open the accordions below. ​​​​​​

Documents (Archive)
 ​

Class Environmental Assessment - Final ESR - October 28, 2022

Draft Environmental Study Report (ESR) - June 2021

Notice of Commencement - January 2020

Maps
 ​

Refined Route Alternatives

Initial Route Alternatives

Virtual Open Houses, Information Sessions & Live Discussions
 ​

December 2023

  • Download the update emailed to our project contact list.

August 2023

  • Download our construction update emailed to our project contact list.

April 2023

  • Click here to view our community drop-in invitation mailed to properties along the route.

  • Download our panels from our community drop-in in April 2023.

March 2021

October/November 2020

May 2020
​

Contact Us

We are committed to listening to local communities every step of the way, and residents have an opportunity to provide feedback
or ask our project team a question by contacting Hydro One’s Community Relations at 1-877-345-6799 or Community.Relations@HydroOne.com.
 

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