Friday, April 24, 2026
The Government of Ontario has made the Red Lake Transmission Line a priority project by directing the Ontario Energy Board to designate Hydro One to develop and construct the line in northwest Ontario, north of Dryden.
“Our government is on a mission to grow our economy by generating more reliable hydro power in the North and electrifying one of Ontario’s most mineral rich regions with a new transmission line,” said Stephen Lecce, Minister of Energy and Mines. “We are accelerating the transmission line to power new mines, strengthen energy security and create good jobs. Ontario’s plan will unlock more than 5,800 good-paying jobs and unlock $830 million in economic potential, all delivered in true partnership with First Nations.”
The proposed priority project consists of a new double-circuit 230-kilovolt transmission line that will run from Dryden Transformer Station (TS) north to Ear Falls TS, including associated station facilities and will continue on to connect to Red Lake Switching Station. The project is expected to be in service by the early 2030s.
“Ontario’s long–term growth depends on strong and reliable electricity infrastructure. The Red Lake Transmission Line will support northern reliability, enable growth and help power communities north of Dryden,” said Ryan Docherty, Executive Vice President, Capital Portfolio Delivery, Hydro One. “We continue to work with First Nations as partners to develop these projects, ensuring they reflect local priorities and support economic reconciliation. We thank the government for its continued trust as we invest in a strong and secure electricity system for the future.”
Once built, the Red Lake Transmission Line is expected to add about 400 megawatts of electricity in northwest Ontario, nearly quadrupling existing capacity. The project is also expected to strengthen regional reliability and reinforce the grid for newly connected northern remote communities and the broader region.
“Today’s announcement is incredibly important for Red Lake and for communities across Northwestern Ontario. The Red Lake Transmission Project has been a long-standing priority, and its advancement will help unlock new economic opportunities, support our mining sector, and ensure reliable, affordable power for our residents and businesses. We are also encouraged by the province’s commitment to strengthening Northern hydroelectric capacity and planning for future energy needs. Reliable energy is the backbone of growth in the North, and these steps signal that our region is being recognized as a key part of Ontario’s economic future. We look forward to continuing to work with Minister Lecce and the province to ensure these investments deliver real benefits on the ground for Red Lake and the broader Northwest.”
“The Red Lake Transmission Project has been a long-standing priority, and its advancement will help unlock new economic opportunities, support our mining sector, and ensure reliable, affordable power for our residents and businesses,” said Fred Mota, Mayor, Municipality of Red Lake.
Through Hydro One’s First Nation Equity Partnership Model, proximate First Nations will have the opportunity to invest in a 50 per cent equity stake in the transmission line component of the project. Together, Hydro One and the proximate First Nations, including Eagle Lake, Lac Seul, Wabauskang, and Wabigoon Lake Ojibway First Nations, will collaborate on the planning, development and construction of the line.
“Wabigoon Lake Ojibway Nation has a strong track record of building business partnerships that deliver real benefits for our members. Our partnership with Hydro One and other regional First Nations on this new transmission line marks our second major transmission project together, and we are proud to continue growing these strategic relationships,” said Chief Clayton Wetelainen, Wabigoon Lake Ojibway Nation.
Featured image: Stephen Lecce, Minister of Energy and Mines (left), and Fred Mota, Mayor, Municipality of Red Lake. (Government of Ontario)
