Ontario to Build Third Electricity Transmission Line for Toronto Downtown Area
Ontario and the City of Toronto are advancing a project to construct a third electricity transmission line to serve the downtown area, designed to meet the increasing power needs of new construction, transit expansions, and overall economic growth. Mayor Olivia Chow emphasized the necessity of bolstering power infrastructure to support these developments and maintain a thriving economy.
This initiative is a key component of Ontario’s forthcoming Integrated Energy Plan, slated for release later this month. The plan focuses on bolstering the province’s economic standing, attracting investment, and lessening dependence on natural gas for power generation. The Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO) has presented three potential routes for the new transmission line. These include an above-ground line from Pickering to Leaside through Cherrywood Transmission Station, a combination above-ground and underground route from Pickering to the Port Lands connecting Cherrywood and Hearn Station via Warden Station, and an underwater cable route across Lake Ontario from Darlington or Pickering to the Port Lands.
The IESO will be actively seeking input from the public and various stakeholders throughout the summer, including consultations with Indigenous communities and the City of Toronto. A definitive route recommendation is anticipated by August 2025. Considering the necessary approvals and the selected route, construction is estimated to span from seven to ten years.
Alongside the new transmission line, the IESO will also investigate additional strategies to manage energy demand and enhance system stability. These supplementary approaches include promoting rooftop solar installations, implementing battery storage solutions, and expanding energy efficiency programs. Ontario’s Energy Minister highlighted the project's importance in securing Ontario’s position as a leader in clean energy and a desirable location for investment and job creation within the G7.
