Proposed transmission line causes debate

Farmers express their concerns over a proposed transmission line by Hydro One. CTV London's Reta Ismail explains.

Hydro One is planning a major new powerline across Southwestern Ontario that is facing opposition.

The transmission line will stretch 118 kilometres from Strathroy-Caradoc to Lakeshore, aiming to meet Ontario’s rapidly growing energy needs.

“[There’s] an anticipated 75 per cent increase in electricity demand by 2050,” said Sonny Karunkaran with Hydro One.

“What this 500KV transmission line will do is help that ensure that the power is there to allow the economy and the industry to continue to grow and transform.”

Local farmers are speaking out about the Longwood to Lakeshore Transmission Line Project, saying the route that has been proposed could disrupt how they work the land.

“We all like electricity for all the things it does for us, for heating, for cooking, for running our TVs and whatever,” said Bill Parks, a local farmer.

“But as farmers, we are concerned that when a powerline goes through these towers that carry the power, mess up our farms and make it harder for us to farm in the same way that we did before.”

Hydro One said route 3B was chosen after a careful study, balancing an environmental impact, land use, and community feedback, while making use of existing corridors to reduce disruption.

“Hyrdo One fully understands there are impacts associated with this, and that is the reason why we engage and consult with the communities,” said Karunakaran.

“We’ve gone through robust processes to actually develop the project to this date and to determine where the best location for the transmission line would be.”

The first of two lines could be in service by 2030, adding 550 megawatts to the grid. The timing for the second line has still yet to be determined.

Hydro One said it is committed to equity partnerships, offering First Nations communities up to 50 per cent ownership in the transmission line component.

“I’d like to see an annual compensation for me having to work around these hydro towers year after year and month after month,” said Parks.

Consultations will continue as Hydro One works through the environmental review. The company said it will keep working with landowners, Indigenous partners, and the public as the project continues to move forward.