Should Hydro-Québec Build a New 735-120 kV Substation in Lanaudière?
Hydro-Québec wants to build a new electrical substation in Sainte-Julienne to handle growing energy demand. The Jean-Jacques-Archambault substation would cover 30 hectares and step down voltage from 735 kV to 120 kV. It's part of a plan to move hydroelectric and wind power to where people actually use it. The $639 million project would run from 2026 to 2029.
Why This Matters
Live in Lanaudière? This substation would be built on private land near Sainte-Julienne. Hydro-Québec will need to buy properties and get permanent easements. Construction crews would be working in the area for three years. The project aims to improve grid reliability for the region.
What Could Change
If approved, Hydro-Québec could build a 30-hectare substation between route 337 and montée Hamilton. Several existing power lines would be modified. Two temporary access roads would be built from montée Hamilton. The project would strengthen the main transmission network serving central and northern Lanaudière.
Key Issues
- What are the environmental impacts of building a 30-hectare substation in a mostly forested area?
- How will property acquisitions and permanent easements affect local landowners?
- Is this the best location for the substation given its proximity to existing infrastructure?
How to Participate
- Review the impact study summary and project documentation to understand the proposal.
- Attend the public information session on April 9, 2025 at 7:30 PM at Salle communautaire Michel-Grégoire in Sainte-Julienne, or watch the webcast.
- Submit a brief, annotated image, or request to speak to the commission by the deadlines in August 2025. Contact the commission at poste-jean-jacques-archambault@bape.gouv.qc.ca.
Events
| Date | Event | Location | Actions |
|---|---|---|---|
| April 9, 2025 7:30 PM | Public Information Session | Salle communautaire Michel-Grégoire, 1408 route 125, Sainte-Julienne | |
| July 29, 2025 7:00 PM | Public Hearing - Part 1 Opening | Salle Michel-Grégoire, 1408 route 125, Sainte-Julienne | |
| August 25, 2025 7:00 PM | Public Hearing - Part 2 | Salle Michel-Grégoire, 1408 route 125, Sainte-Julienne |