Hydro One Networks Inc. (Hydro One Networks) is asking the Ontario Energy Board for permission to construct a new double circuit 230 kilovolt transmission line that spans approximately 18.5 km between Abitibi Consolidated Junction in Thorold to the Crowland Transformer Station located in Welland (Welland-Thorold Project). Hydro One Networks says the Welland-Thorold project consists of both new and repurposed right of way. Hydro One Networks says the transmission line is needed to ensure sufficient capacity to support continued growth and to improve reliability in the Niagara area.
Hydro One Networks is also asking the OEB to approve the form of agreement it offers to landowners to use their land for routing or construction of the proposed line.
Hydro One Networks is also asking the OEB for permission to expropriate interests in certain lands associated with the Welland-Thorold Project. Hydro One Networks’ application in relation to expropriation is not about compensation. The OEB will consider the public interest when making any order authorizing Hydro One Networks to expropriate land. The OEB does not have the authority to determine the amount of compensation payable. If the OEB authorizes Hydro OneNetworks to expropriate and the parties do not agree upon compensation, then the compensation must be determined under the Expropriations Act or by the Ontario Land Tribunal.
A map of the proposed route for the transmission line is provided below:
Type: Leave to Construct
This application will be heard using the Complex Electricity & Natural Gas performance standard (pdf). View an expanded timeline (pdf) of the procedural steps for this Leave to Construct application and read the Standard Issues List (pdf).
Find out more about OEB Performance Standards for Processing Applications and use the Application Planning Tool to assist you with an estimate of the milestones in this proceeding.
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Participate
There are three ways to participate in the OEB hearing process: as an Intervenor, submitting a Letter of Comment or to Follow a Proceeding.
This table illustrates the different levels of participation. Find out more about participating in an OEB hearing, including becoming an intervenor.
| Participation Activities | Intervenor | Letter of Comment | Follow a Proceeding |
|---|---|---|---|
| Receive OEB-issued documents by email |  |  | |
| Submit a Letter of Comment | | | |
| Listen to live broadcast of the oral hearing | | | |
| Participate in oral hearing | | | |
| Present Evidence | | | |
| Respond to questions about evidence | | | |
| Ask other parties to the proceeding questions | | | |
| Provide argument | | | |
Submit a letter of comment
You can submit a letter of comment that will be considered by the panel deciding the application. Unless the notice states otherwise, your letter of comment will be accepted until the record of the proceeding is closed (which usually occurs with the filing of the applicant’s final reply argument). However, you are encouraged to submit your letter as early in the process as you can. Depending on timing of receipt of letters of comment, the applicant will typically provide a respond to the issues raised in those letters. Your letter will be provided directly to the panel of Commissioners who will be deciding whether the application is approved. The panel will consider your comments in reaching their decision. The panel will only be able to consider comments which relate to issues which are within the authority of the OEB and relevant to the issues being considered by the panel.
More about commenting and privacy
All letters of comment sent to the OEB are placed on the public record. This means the letters will be placed on our website. Before the letter of comment is placed on the public record, personal contact information contained in the address, phone number, and email address fields of this form is removed. The individual's name and the content of the letter will become part of the public record.
If you would like a response from the applicant, please send a copy of your letter directly to the applicant, including your personal contact information. The OEB removes your personal contact information from your letter for privacy reasons before it is posted to our website.