Waasigan transmission line project
Learn about the environmental assessment process for proposed transmission lines connecting the Lakehead, Mackenzie and Dryden transformer stations.
Current status
You can comment on the environmental assessment for this project until 5:00 p.m. on January 19, 2024.
Learn how to submit your comments.
Project summary
Hydro One is proposing:
- a new double-circuit 230 kilovolt (kV) transmission line between the Lakehead Transformer Station in the Municipality of Shuniah and the Mackenzie Transformer Station in the Town of Atikokan
- a new single-circuit 230 kV transmission line between the Mackenzie Transformer Station and the Dryden Transformer Station in the City of Dryden
Hydro One has entered an environmental assessment process for this project. This assessment will look at how the transmission lines could impact the environment.
Learn more on the Hydro One website.
Proponent
Hydro One
Location
Northwestern Ontario (Thunder Bay to Dryden)
Type
Electricity transmission
Reference number
16055
Contact
Stephen Deneault, Environmental Assessment Branch
Project history
Environmental assessment: submitted
Date submitted: November 17, 2023
Expiry of public comment period: January 19, 2024
Terms of Reference: approved
Date submitted: October 16, 2020
Expiry of public comment period: November 16, 2020
Decision date: February 18, 2022
Environmental assessment
Hydro One has submitted its environmental assessment for the Waasigan transmission line project to the Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks for review. This assessment evaluated alternative routes, and the preferred route was selected through a comparative analysis of the alternative routes identified in the Terms of Reference, which reflected feedback through public consultation.
Submit a comment
Members of the public, agencies, Indigenous communities and other interested persons are encouraged to actively participate in the environmental assessment process.
Read the notice of submission and submit your comments.
Terms of reference
On February 18, 2022, the Minister of the Environment, Conservation and Parks approved the amended Terms of Reference for this environmental assessment.
Notice of approval
Environmental Assessment Act subsection 6(4) approval of Terms of Reference for the preparation of an environmental assessment.
Proponent: Hydro One Networks Inc.
Undertaking: Waasigan Transmission Line Project
EA file number: EA-03-03-03
As provided for by subsection 6(4) of the Environmental Assessment Act, the amended Terms of Reference submitted for approval to the Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks on June 18, 2021 (amended Terms of Reference) to govern the preparation of an environmental assessment for the above-noted undertaking, is hereby approved.
Pursuant to subsection 6.1(1) of the Environmental Assessment Act, any environmental assessment for the above-noted undertaking submitted to the Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks pursuant to subsection 6.2(1) of the Environmental Assessment Act, must be prepared in accordance with the Terms of Reference, as hereby approved.
Reasons
I am satisfied that an environmental assessment prepared in accordance with the amended Terms of Reference, will be consistent with the purpose of the Environmental Assessment Act and the public interest for the following reasons:
- The amended Terms of Reference ensures that the environmental assessment will be completed using a comprehensive public, Indigenous and government agency consultation process that is open and transparent;
- The amended Terms of References provides adequate rationale for focusing the environmental assessment;
- The amended Terms of Reference provides an appropriate level of detail to confirm that the completed environmental assessment should contain a sufficient level of detail to accurately assess the environmental effects of alternative transmission line routes and the preferred route;
- The amended Terms of Reference sets out a planning process that will ensure the completed environmental assessment will be consistent with the purpose of the Environmental Assessment Act and the public interest; and
- There are no outstanding issues that have not been addressed in the amended Terms of Reference or that cannot be addressed during the preparation of the environmental assessment.
Dated the 18th day of February, 2022 at Toronto.
Original signed by:
Minister of the Environment, Conservation and Parks
777 Bay Street, 5th floor
Toronto, Ontario
M7A 2J3