One of the largest transmission investments in province’s history announced in Springwater, Ont.

Barrie Mayor Alex Nuttall stands at the podium alongside Ontario Energy and Mines Minister Stephen Lecce in Springwater, Ont., to announce building two new transmission lines and major transmission upgrades. This plan will ensure the province has the power it needs to meet growing energy demand to build new homes and support economic growth on Fri., June 6, 2025. (CTV News/ Rob Cooper)

Ontario Energy and Mines Minister Stephen Lecce visited Springwater on Friday to share one of the largest transmission investments in the province’s history.

The Ontario government is moving forward with two new transmission lines and major transmission upgrades. This plan is designed to meet surging electricity demand, support new housing developments, and fuel economic growth across the region.

“Ontario is growing fast and so is our energy demand,” said Lecce. “That’s why we’re acting early, advancing roughly 160 kilometres of new and upgraded transmission lines. These projects will connect families and businesses to clean, reliable, and affordable energy for decades to come.”

According to the Ministry of Energy and Mines, over the next 25 years, electricity demand in Ontario is projected to rise by 75 per cent, with industrial demand alone expected to increase by 40 per cent in the next five years.

In response, the province is prioritizing key infrastructure to deliver power from new sources; including nuclear, hydroelectric, renewable, and storage technologies to communities and industries.

The government says they are launching consultations on proposals to fast-track three major transmission projects that would support growing electricity needs in Central Ontario and the Greater Toronto Area.

They will be making upgrades to existing lines between Orangeville and Barrie to improve reliability and support Central Ontario’s economic development along with major upgrades across the Greater Toronto Area and Windsor-Essex region.

“With approximately 50,000 jobs in the Manufacturing sector and 28,000 jobs throughout the Greenhouse value-chain – these two primary industries account for approximately one third of the total jobs in the region," said Barrie Mayor Alex Nuttall.

Ontario says these transmission projects are a critical part of ensuring our energy system can sustain growth and protect good-paying jobs.

Hydro One, Ontario’s primary transmission provider, is set to lead development and upgrades. The province reaffirmed its backing of Hydro One’s commitment to form 50-50 Indigenous partnerships for new large-scale transmission projects, supporting economic reconciliation and long-term prosperity for Indigenous communities.

Paul Markle CEO of the Barrie Chamber of Commerce shared his remarks Friday, “Ontario’s greenhouse sector applauds this welcome news. Our growing sector is an important partner in providing economic prosperity and regional on-farm energy solutions to the province - particularly in the Niagara and Southwest regions. A reliable and expanded energy infrastructure is essential to our ability to grow sustainably and remain globally competitive.”

These projects form part of Ontario’s first Integrated Energy Plan, expected later this month. The plan aims to ensure energy security, reduce reliance on imports, and position Ontario to export surplus energy to other markets.