The Ontario government has broken ground on the St. Clair Transmission Line, a 64-kilometre infrastructure project officials say will secure electricity supply and support economic growth in Southwestern Ontario.
The new double-circuit, 230-kilovolt line will connect the County of Lambton and the Municipality of Chatham-Kent, while also expanding the Chatham Switching Station and Lambton Transformer Station and converting the Wallaceburg station 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.”
Officials said electricity demand in the Windsor-Essex and Chatham region is projected to climb to more than 2,300 megawatts over the next decade, with provincial demand expected to rise 75 per cent by 2050. The new line will add 450 megawatts of reliable power to the region, which the province says is the equivalent of powering a city the size of Windsor.
“Breaking ground on the St. Clair Transmission Line is an important step in securing Ontario’s energy security for our future,” said Sarnia–Lambton MPP Bob Bailey. “Lambton has significant history in producing and supplying energy for our province, I’m proud to see that tradition will continue for generations to come.”
“This project is great news for our community that will create jobs during construction, support future economic growth, and ensure our region remains well-positioned to attract new investment and opportunities,” said Lambton–Kent–Middlesex MPP Steve Pinsonneault. “By strengthening the local electricity infrastructure, it will help meet the growing demand for energy and provide the reliable power that families, farmers, and businesses in Lambton–Kent–Middlesex depend on every day.”
St. Clair Township Mayor Jeff Agar added that the project is “a testament to Hydro One’s continued commitment to our region,” noting that the municipality remains focused on ensuring local voices are heard throughout the process.
Hydro One was directed in 2022 to begin early development work following public and Indigenous consultations. Construction is expected to generate about 70 jobs and will be carried out by contractor partners Forbes Bros. and Black & McDonald.
The St. Clair Transmission Line is part of Ontario’s long-term Energy for Generations plan, which aims to provide reliable and affordable power while supporting population and industrial growth.
