Residents of Bracebridge, Ontario, have the opportunity to learn about and provide feedback on a new major infrastructure project as Hydro One begins the public engagement process for a new transmission line. The proposed project involves building a 300-kilometre, 500-kilovolt power line that will run from the Hanmer Transformer Station in Sudbury to the Essa Transformer Station near Barrie.
To gather community input, Hydro One is hosting two upcoming sessions where residents can meet the project team and ask questions. An in-person open house will take place at the Bracebridge Sportsplex on April 16, 2026, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. A virtual session is also planned for April 21, 2026, from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m.
This project is being developed to meet the province’s rising electricity needs, which are projected to grow significantly as industries expand and electrification increases across Ontario. Once operational in 2032, the new line is expected to provide substantial electrical capacity to both northern and southern parts of the province. The project is being built in partnership with the Energy Corridor First Nations, a consortium of 11 First Nations that will have the opportunity for 50 per cent equity ownership.
For the Muskoka region, the project comes as residents have dealt with recurring power outages caused by severe weather. While Lakeland Power Distribution Ltd. continues to serve local customers, this new provincial infrastructure is intended to support the broader grid. The development process will follow the provincial Class Environmental Assessment for Transmission Facilities and requires formal approval from the Ontario Energy Board.
