Hydro One has identified its preferred route for a major new electricity transmission line connecting Windsor and Lakeshore, Ontario. The project aims to strengthen the region’s power infrastructure, support economic growth and accommodate rising electricity demand while limiting disruptions to local property owners.
Preferred Windsor-Lakeshore Power Line Route Announced
Hydro One has selected Option 2A as the preferred alignment for the proposed Windsor-Lakeshore transmission line following an evaluation of environmental, technical, Indigenous and community considerations.
The route will begin at the Lakeshore transformer station on South Middle Road, travel north near Manning Road and continue toward the Lauzon transformer station near County Road 42.
Sonny Karunakaran, Hydro One’s vice-president of strategic projects and partnerships, said the selection process prioritized existing infrastructure corridors to reduce the need for new transmission routes.
“When we assess the various route options, consideration for making sure that we’re reusing existing corridors to mitigate or minimize creating new corridors and impacting new property owners was a prime focus for us,” Karunakaran said.
Approximately 60 Properties Could Be Affected
Hydro One estimates that approximately 60 properties will be affected by the preferred route.
Some land acquisition may be necessary through easements or property purchases. However, the utility does not expect any primary residences to be directly affected by the transmission line’s right-of-way.
The company plans to contact affected landowners individually to discuss property impacts and possible adjustments to the alignment.
“What we want to do is we want to look at the alignment. What are the other features that that landowner has where the alignment is coming through?” Karunakaran said.
Hydro One may consider relocating individual transmission towers where technically feasible to accommodate landowners’ concerns.
New Transmission Line to Support Growing Electricity Demand
The Windsor-Lakeshore project is part of broader efforts to expand electricity infrastructure across southwestern Ontario, where industrial development, population growth and electrification are increasing demand.
According to Hydro One, the Independent Electricity System Operator projects regional electricity demand will increase by 73 per cent by 2050.
The proposed double-circuit, 230-kilovolt transmission line is expected to deliver an additional 510 megawatts of electricity capacity.
Hydro One says that amount is comparable to the electricity required to power a city the size of London, Ontario.
“As the economy continues to develop and grow and consume more of that electricity, investments like the Windsor Lakeshore Power line will be required to maintain the power that we bring into the region and the reliability that it provides,” Karunakaran told CTV News.
The investment is intended to strengthen electricity supply for homes, businesses and industrial operations throughout the region.
Lakeshore Residents Hope for Improved Power Reliability
For some residents, the proposed transmission line represents an opportunity to improve the reliability of local electricity service.
Luc Michaud, a South Woodslee resident of 15 years, said his community has experienced recurring power flickering and outages, particularly during storms.
“When you’re concerned every time there is a storm coming in and you’re going to lose power and you don’t know how long it’s going to be out for, just again, you know, the slightest wind can knock us out,” Michaud said.
“It gets frustrating and you’re always coming home to your clocks off or, you know, TVs are turned on for whatever reason. It’s nice to have that integrity where it stays on.”
Michaud also welcomed Hydro One’s communication with residents during the planning process.
“They’re sharing the information and making it aware to all of us out here, and no secrecy,” he said. “This is a nice improvement for not just Lakeshore, but as well for Windsor.”
Construction Expected to Begin in 2028
Hydro One anticipates beginning construction in late 2028, with the new transmission line scheduled to enter service by 2032.
Before construction can proceed, the project must complete its Class Environmental Assessment and obtain the necessary regulatory approvals.
Additional discussions with affected property owners will also take place as planning advances.
Public Open Houses Scheduled in Lakeshore and Windsor
Hydro One has scheduled two public information sessions to explain the proposed route, answer questions and gather community feedback.
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Lakeshore: November 25, 2026, from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Libro Community Centre.
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Windsor: November 26, 2026, from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Forest Glade Community Centre.
Residents and property owners will have an opportunity to learn more about the transmission line and its potential local impacts.
Strengthening Southwestern Ontario’s Electricity Infrastructure
The Windsor-Lakeshore transmission project represents a significant investment in southwestern Ontario’s long-term electricity capacity.
With demand expected to rise substantially over the coming decades, Hydro One says the new infrastructure will help maintain a reliable power supply while supporting regional economic development.
The project’s next stages will focus on environmental approvals, consultations with landowners and finalizing the transmission line alignment ahead of the planned 2028 construction start.
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