Residents in the Barrie area have an opportunity to learn more about a large new power line project that aims to support growing electricity needs across the province. Hydro One is hosting community meetings to discuss the proposed transmission line, which will connect the Hanmer Transformer Station in Sudbury to the Essa Transformer Station near Barrie.
The project, which is estimated to cost up to $1.6 billion, involves building a 300-kilometre power line to help manage a significant rise in electricity demand. This demand is expected to climb by 75 per cent by 2050 as new mining operations begin in northern Ontario. Once completed in 2032, the new line is expected to support the creation of over 9,000 jobs while delivering additional power capacity to both the north and south.
A unique feature of this project is the involvement of the Energy Corridor First Nations. This group, which includes 11 First Nations along the route, is partnering with the utility company to offer up to 50 per cent equity ownership in the power line. This partnership model allows the local First Nations to be directly involved in the development and long-term ownership of the infrastructure.
The government of Ontario has named this a priority project, which allows the planning process to move faster by directing the Ontario Energy Board to proceed with the assumption that the line is necessary for the province. Even with this priority status, the project must follow the standard process for environmental reviews and will consider local, technical, and Indigenous feedback when determining the final route.
To help residents understand the project, Hydro One is hosting an in-person open house at the Bracebridge Sportsplex, located at 110 Clearbrook Trail, on April 16, 2026, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. For those who cannot attend in person, a virtual information session will be held on April 21, 2026, from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m.
