On the recommendation of the undersigned, the Lieutenant Governor of Ontario, by and with the advice and concurrence of the Executive Council of Ontario, orders that:

Whereas section 17.15 of the Environmental Assessment Act provides that the Minister of the Environment, Conservation and Parks, with the approval of the Lieutenant Governor in Council, may give approval to proceed with a Part II.3 project, subject to such conditions as the Minister considers necessary, or refuse to give approval to proceed with the project; and

Whereas Ontario Regulation 50/24 made under the Environmental Assessment Act (the “Act”) designates certain electricity projects as Part II.3 projects, including the project set out in the Waasigan Transmission Line Amended Environmental Assessment (“ the Project”); and

Whereas Hydro One Networks Inc. submitted an application for approval to proceed with a Part II.3 project as set out in the Waasigan Transmission Line Project Amended Environmental Assessment ; and

Whereas a notice of completion of the Ministry Review of the Waasigan Transmission Line Project Amended Environmental Assessment was given on June 21, 2024, and ten submissions were received from members of the general public before the prescribed deadline, including three requests for a hearing; and

Whereas, having considered the purpose of the Act, the Amended Environmental Assessment, the amended Terms of Reference, and the submissions received, the undersigned Minister of the Environment, Conservation and Parks is of the opinion that the Project should be given approval to proceed, subject to the conditions specified in the attached approval,

Therefore, pursuant to section 17.15 of the Environmental Assessment Act, approval to proceed with the Project is given in the form attached, subject to the conditions specified therein.

Notice of Approval

Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks

Approved and Ordered: September 26, 2024