Should Hydro One Be Allowed to Expropriate Land for Transmission Lines in Port Colborne?

Official title: Continued operation of existing transmission facilities in Port Colborne

open Regulations & Permits Justice & Rights Natural Resources
Hydro One wants to keep operating transmission lines that cross private property in Port Colborne. The catch? They're asking the Ontario Energy Board to approve expropriation of land from Nyon Oil Inc. This is a formal regulatory proceeding where the property owner is actively contesting the application.

Why This Matters

Own property near power lines? This case could set precedent for how utilities acquire land rights. The property owner has raised constitutional questions about the expropriation process. If you're in Port Colborne or own land crossed by transmission infrastructure, this decision matters.

What Could Change

The OEB could approve Hydro One's expropriation application, giving them permanent rights over the disputed land. Alternatively, they could deny it or impose conditions. A constitutional question has been raised, which could affect how similar cases are handled province-wide.

Key Issues

  • Should Hydro One be granted expropriation rights over Nyon Oil's property?
  • Are there constitutional concerns with the expropriation process?
  • Is continued operation of the transmission facilities in the public interest?

How to Participate

  1. Review the application documents and public notice to understand the case.
  2. View all case documents on the OEB case page to follow the proceeding.