Ontario has approved the development of the 230kV double-circuit Red Lake Transmission Line, a project aimed at strengthening electricity capacity and reliability in the province’s northwest and supporting hydropower-driven growth.
The provincial government, under Energy and Mines Minister Stephen Lecce, has authorised Hydro One Networks to oversee development and construction of the line, which will run 162km from the Dryden Transformer Station to the Red Lake Switching Station via Ear Falls.
The project has been designated a priority, expediting regulatory approvals through the Ontario Energy Board and enabling further engagement with Indigenous communities. It is expected to be in service in the early 2030s.
Once completed, the transmission line is projected to increase regional electricity capacity by around 400MW, nearly quadrupling existing levels, while improving grid stability for remote communities and the wider area.
“Ontario’s long-term growth depends on strong and reliable electricity infrastructure. The Red Lake Transmission Line will support northern reliability, enable growth and help power communities north of Dryden,” said Ryan Docherty, executive vice-president of capital portfolio delivery at Hydro One.
The line forms part of Ontario’s broader strategy to expand infrastructure in its mining-rich north, with a focus on enabling new resource development and strengthening energy security.
“Our government is on a mission to grow our economy by generating more reliable hydropower in the north and electrifying one of Ontario’s most mineral-rich regions with a new transmission line,” Lecce said.
He added: “We are accelerating the transmission line to power new mines, strengthen energy security and create good jobs. Ontario’s plan will unlock more than 5,800 good-paying jobs and unlock $830m [C$1.14bn] in economic potential, all delivered in true partnership with First Nations.”
Hydro One will work with local First Nations through its equity partnership model, which allows participating communities to invest up to 50% in the transmission line component.
“We continue to work with First Nations as partners to develop these projects, ensuring they reflect local priorities and support economic reconciliation. We thank the government for its continued trust as we invest in a strong and secure electricity system for the future,” Docherty said.
Indigenous leaders highlighted the importance of partnership and environmental stewardship.
“Eagle Lake First Nation strongly believes that projects taking place within our traditional territory must be done in collaboration and partnership with our Nation,” said Bernadette Wabange. “Doing so ensures that we can fulfil our duty as stewards of the land and develop projects in a way that respects our traditional laws, teachings and values.”
She added that such collaboration “does not compromise environmental protections for economic development and protect our traditional lands for future generations.”
The project is also expected to support recently connected communities.
“This project will support regional growth and provide long-term energy capacity to the recently connected First Nations north of Red Lake,” said Clifford Bull.
Communities along the route have emphasised early and ongoing involvement.
“Wabauskang First Nation is located along the route of this transmission project, and our community must be meaningfully involved at every stage,” said Bill Petiquan.
Regional partners also pointed to experience from previous projects.
“Our partnership with Hydro One and other regional First Nations on this new transmission line marks our second major transmission project together,” said Clayton Wetelainen, adding that lessons learned would be applied to maximise long-term benefits.
The Red Lake Transmission Line is positioned as a key enabler of northern Ontario’s energy transition, reinforcing the grid to support hydropower supply, remote community connections and industrial expansion.
