Wednesday, September 10, 2025
Hydro One Inc., alongside First Nation partners and provincial and municipal leaders, celebrated the groundbreaking of the St. Clair Transmission Line. The $471.9 million investment is expected to support economic and community development in a rapidly growing region of the province.
“With today’s groundbreaking we’re building more than infrastructure, we’re taking another step forward to help power the future for the region and province. Each new line Hydro One builds is an opportunity for partnership with First Nations and to buy goods and services from Indigenous and Ontario suppliers. Together, we’re building a more self-reliant and secure electricity system to power growth in every corner of the province. We know taking action today will create a stronger Ontario for future generations,” said Megan Telford, Hydro One CEO.
The new 64-kilometre, double-circuit 230 kilovolt (kV) transmission line will connect the County of Lambton and Municipality of Chatham-Kent, while expanding the existing Chatham Switching Station and Lambton Transformer Station (TS) and converting the existing Wallaceburg TS to 230 kV by 2028.
“Southwestern Ontario is thriving, and reliable energy is essential to keep that momentum going,” said Stephen Lecce, Minister of Energy and Mines. “The St. Clair Transmission Line will deliver the affordable, clean power our communities and businesses need to grow and stay competitive. This project is a major step forward in our government’s plan to protect Ontario by building a stronger, self-reliant energy system that creates jobs and powers our economy for generations to come.”
The St. Clair Transmission Line is part of a network of projects including the Chatham to Lakeshore line that was energized in late-2024 and Longwood to Lakeshore transmission lines, being developed in collaboration with five First Nation partners in the region. Through Hydro One’s 50-50 First Nation Equity Partnership Model, First Nation partners have been offered a 50 per cent equity stake in the transmission line component of the project.
“This project highlights the vital role First Nations have in shaping Ontario’s energy future,” said Janelle Nahmabin, Chief of Aamjiwnaang First Nation. “By bringing Indigenous knowledge and leadership to the table, we are helping to build a stronger, more resilient electricity system. We look forward to continuing our partnership with Hydro One as we work together to power growth, opportunity, and a brighter future for both our community and all of Ontario.”
In 2022, Hydro One was directed by the government to begin early development work on the St. Clair Transmission Line following public and Indigenous consultations. This project is part of a network of electricity infrastructure projects that will support the regions’ economic growth. Construction of the project is anticipated to generate approximately 70 new jobs and will be led by Hydro One’s contractor partners, Forbes Bros. and Black & McDonald.
“Forbes Bros. is proud to partner with Hydro One and our First Nation partners as construction gets underway on the St. Clair Transmission Line. This project will help bring reliable, affordable, and secure power to communities across Lambton and Chatham-Kent, supporting the growth of homes, farms and industry in southwestern Ontario,” said Matthew Forbes
CEO, Forbes Bros. Group of Companies.
“We are proud to see investments like these that will ensure the energy capacity required to meet both today’s demands and the needs of future generations. The St. Clair project reflects the kind of forward-thinking infrastructure Ontario needs to maintain its competitive edge and to support the workers, businesses, and communities that depend on it. Black & McDonald Limited is committed to supporting this momentum and we look forward to continuing our collaboration with Hydro One and all stakeholders in building a stronger, more resilient Ontario,” said Ian McDonald, co-CEO, Black & McDonald Limited.
Featured image: (Hydro One)
