The Ontario government is building two new transmission lines and two major transmission upgrades to ensure the province has the power it needs to meet growing energy demand to build new homes and support economic growth which represents one of the largest transmission investments in the province's history. The government's plan to significantly expand energy infrastructure is an important part of its work to protect Ontario by securing reliable and affordable energy that can power economic growth and reduce Ontario's reliance on energy providers from outside the province.
"Ontario is growing fast and so is our energy demand," said Stephen Lecce, Minister of Energy and Mines. "That's why we're planning early and advancing approximately 160 km of new and upgraded transmission lines to connect people and businesses to the affordable, secure, reliable and clean energy they'll need in the years ahead. After announcing the largest nuclear expansion in Ontario history, we are building for the future by advancing one of the largest transmission expansions in Ontario history. This is part of Ontario's long-term integrated plan for economic self-reliance."
In the next 25 years electricity demand is expected to increase by 75 per cent, with industrial demand alone set to increase approximately 40 per cent in the next five years. That's why Ontario is acting now to build the infrastructure that will deliver power from new electricity sources including nuclear, hydroelectric, renewables and storage to the communities and industries that rely on it.
To meet this growing demand, the government is launching consultations on proposals to prioritize three transmission projects. These projects will deliver more power to growing communities including in the Greater Toronto Area, Windsor-Essex, Central Ontario and Eastern Ontario helping to connect new small modular reactors (SMRs), boost local manufacturing, support greenhouse operations and improve grid reliability.
Declaring these as priority projects would streamline Ontario Energy Board (OEB) reviews and enable faster approvals and development for the following critical transmission lines:
- A new line from Bowmanville to the Greater Toronto Area (GTA), to connect new generation in Eastern Ontario including Darlington SMRs 2, 3 and 4 to Ontario's grid.
- A new line from Windsor to Lakeshore, to meet fast-growing regional demand in Windsor-Essex and drive continued growth in manufacturing and greenhouse industries.
- An upgrade to existing lines between Orangeville and Barrie, to improve reliability and support economic development in Central Ontario while maintaining system capability for electricity transfer between Ontario's northern and southern regions.
The province is also announcing its support for upgrades to existing lines between Manby and Riverside Junction in Toronto, to increase capacity and support continued electricity demand growth in Toronto's west end and downtown core.
"For Ontario's energy-intensive industries from greenhouses to auto manufacturing access to affordable, secure and reliable electricity isn't optional - it's essential," said Sam Oosterhoff, Associate Minister of Energy Intensive Industries. "By advancing these lines, we're leveraging Ontario's energy advantage to unleash the full potential of our economy and ensure the energy system can power investment, support increased production and protect jobs."
The government strongly supports Hydro One's commitment to creating 50-50 partnerships for Indigenous participation when building new large-scale transmission lines, supporting meaningful economic reconciliation and long-term benefits for participating communities.
This expansion is one of several actions being advanced through Ontario's first Integrated Energy Plan, which will be released later this month. It reflects the coordinated, long-term approach the province is taking to make Ontario energy secure and create opportunities to export Ontario energy abroad. The government's record investments in energy infrastructure are also helping protect workers and the economy by supporting economic growth and keeping workers on the job at a time of economic uncertainty.
Quick Facts
- Ontario is home to over 30,000 km of high voltage electricity transmission lines that carry power from generating stations to the communities, industries and homes that rely on it.
- Electricity demand in the Windsor-Essex region is expected to grow at least 500 MW over the next 10 years, from 1100 MW to approximately 1600 MW by 2035.
- Electricity demand in Toronto is expected to roughly double by 2050, driven by population growth, major housing and commercial developments, expanded public transit, and increased electrification of vehicles and buildings.
- The proposals that would be consulted on would be to:
- Issue Orders-in-Council and Minister's Directives to declare these lines as priority projects with the intent of speeding up their development given Ontario's electricity demand growth.
- Designate Hydro One to develop the line from Bowmanville to Toronto to provide regulatory clarity necessary for them to kickstart development work and avoid project delays.
- Hydro One was designated by the government in 2022 to begin early development work on the Windsor to Lakeshore transmission line following public and Indigenous consultation. Hydro One will also carry out upgrades on the Orangeville to Barrie and Manby to Riverside corridors, as the transmitter that owns and operates the existing infrastructure in those areas.
- On June 3, 2025, Minister Lecce introduced Protect Ontario by Securing Affordable Energy for Generations Act, which includes a number of other key measures to enhance Ontario's energy system.
Quotes
"Our government is committed to ensuring First Nations communities and Indigenous partners are at the heart of Ontario's first Integrated Energy Plan. By prioritizing meaningful economic and community partnerships, we are making tremendous strides towards unlocking lasting reconciliation, ensuring that our energy infrastructure not only meets the growing demand but also drives sustainable and inclusive prosperity for generations to come."
- Greg Rickford, Minister of Indigenous Affairs and First Nations Economic Reconciliation, and the Minister Responsible for Ring of Fire Economic and Community Partnerships
"To grow Southwestern Ontario and shield our economy from U.S. tariffs and global challenges, we need more energy to drive our agri-food and manufacturing sectors. These transmission lines will provide the power to protect Ontario's prosperity and ensure long-term opportunity for all."
- Trevor Jones, Minister of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness
"These new transmission lines and transmission upgrades will help ensure that Ontario is ready to meet the demand for affordable and reliable clean energy as the province continues to build. Building this infrastructure today will help the province safeguard access to the communities and industries that rely upon it now and in the future."
- Doug Downey, MPP for Barrie - Springwater - Oro-Medonte
"We know that businesses and industries are looking for communities where they can count on dependable energy and a government that plans for the future. These upgrades are a major step toward positioning Barrie and area as a hub for investment, manufacturing, and innovation. They support the skilled trades, attract good-paying jobs, and give our growing population the tools we need to succeed. This is what economic leadership looks like."
- Alex Nuttall, Mayor, City of Barrie
"Thank you to the Ontario Government, Premier Ford, and Minister Lecce for expediting this vital energy infrastructure for the 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 1/3 of the total jobs in the region. Frankly, reliable and affordable energy is the foundation of our regional economy. Windsor Essex is home to world class manufacturing in the tool, die, mold industry, and of course is a traditional home of the automotive industry with the first large scale electric battery manufacturing facility in the County. In the Municipalities of Kingsville and Leamington, the region is home to the largest cluster of greenhouses in North America, positioning the area as vital for food security in our Province. As the Government has committed to protecting Ontario, this commitment - and the continued demonstration by the Government to secure our energy future - protects our manufacturing sector, our agri-food sector, our economy, and the livelihoods of Windsor-Essex residents."
- Ryan Donally, President & CEO, Windsor Essex Chamber of Commerce
"A significant build-out of our transmission system is needed in the years ahead to ensure Ontario continues to benefit from a reliable, affordable and sustainable supply of electricity. As we get set to launch the largest competitive energy procurement in the province's history, we need to keep accelerating the development of transmission infrastructure to ensure power can be moved from where it is generated into the homes and businesses that rely on it."
- Lesley Gallinger, President & CEO of IESO
"Transmission will provide the backbone to Ontario's economic growth and prosperity. Investing in this core infrastructure is necessary to enable us to connect new customers, housing and industry by ensuring our grid grows with expanding needs, while expanding economic opportunities for indigenous communities. The Ontario Energy Association applauds the Government of Ontario for accelerating these critical projects."
- Vince Brescia, President & CEO, Ontario Energy Association
"As Ontario's economy grows, the need for dependable, clean, and scalable energy has never been greater. The Ontario Chamber supports the Ontario government's work to accelerate new transmission lines and connect small modular reactors to the grids that connect businesses and communities. From greenhouses to manufacturers, today's announcement strengthens Ontario's ability to attract investment, create jobs, and lead in the global clean economy."
- Daniel Tisch, President & CEO, Ontario Chamber of Commerce
"Simply, you can't grow what you can't power. This by the Ontario Government investment gives our region more reliability, more capacity and a stronger case to attract and retain business."
- Paul Markle, CEO, Barrie Chamber of Commerce
"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. The Windsor-Lakeshore transmission line, in particular, will help to provide the energy certainty we need to continue to invest, innovate, and expand our operations. We applaud the Ontario Government's accelerated approach and look forward to working collaboratively to ensure Ontario's greenhouse sector continues to thrive."
- Jan VanderHout, President, The Ontario Greenhouse Alliance (TOGA)
"There can be no real growth in our manufacturing regions without grid expansion. We commend the Government of Ontario and Hydro One for developing this prosperity enabling infrastructure, while also laying down significant markers in terms of economic reconciliation with local indigenous people. As Canada wakes up to the need for speed in building our economy, this is an example for the whole country to follow."
- Dennis A. Darby, President & CEO, Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters
"Earlier this week, I was pleased to join Minister Lecce for the announcement of a new transmission line into downtown Toronto - a clear example of the forward-looking energy planning our region needs. By advancing critical infrastructure now, Ontario is strengthening grid reliability, getting ready to enable clean technologies like small modular reactors, AI data centres, and electrified transit, and ensuring our energy-intensive sectors remain competitive."
- Giles Gherson, President & CEO, Toronto Region Board of Trade
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