A resolution in opposition of the new Barrie to Sudbury Hydro One transmission line has been passed by Seguin Township council.
Hydro One is currently in the planning process and working towards constructing a new single-circuit 500-kilovolt transmission line that will run nearly 300 kilometres from Hanmer to Essa. It’s expected to be in-service by 2032.
Residents and councillors in Seguin Township, including those around Otter Lake, have voiced their concerns about the possibility of the transmission line running through their backyard.
Hydro One recently reduced the size of its study area and is looking to build the new line in proximity to existing transmission lines. A corridor of existing 230 kilovolt transmission lines passes over Foley Matheson Park on Little Otter Lake, which places the community directly in Hydro One’s focused study area.
At a meeting on Oct. 5, council passed a motion opposing any new Hydro One facilities proposed within view of recreational lakes in Seguin that may result in the expropriation of seasonal, residential, commercial or industrial facilities.
The motion stated that “cottages located on lakes in the Township of Seguin contribute significantly to the economy of the Township” and that undisturbed views of the water and surrounding landscapes “are threatened by Hydro Ones proposed new transmission facilities.”
It suggests the area east of Muskoka Lakes, which includes a large area of Crown Land, as a potential location for the new transmission line.
“I don’t know if we will get anywhere with Hydro One because they have a process and a timeline,” said Coun. Terry Fellner. “But I think it is very important for us to pass this resolution so that Hydro One can see in the early stages we are not happy with the process to date. They may not reconsider, but at least it is going to give them pause for thought.”
The resolution will be sent to Premier Doug Ford, Energy Minister Stephen Lecce, and local MPP Graydon Smith, and the other West Parry Sound municipalities.
