Should Ontario Build an Underwater Power Line Across Lake Ontario?

Official title: Advancing Critical Transmission Expansion in the Toronto Area

Closed Regulations & Permits Environment & Climate Indigenous & Northern Natural Resources
Ontario wants to build its first underwater high-voltage power line across Lake Ontario, connecting downtown Toronto to Bowmanville. The Toronto Third Line would help meet growing electricity demand in the GTA and make the grid more resilient to extreme weather. The government is asking for feedback on how to select a company to build it and what requirements should be included.

Why This Matters

Live in the GTA? Your power bills and grid reliability are at stake. The 2024 floods showed how vulnerable Toronto's electricity supply can be. This underwater line could prevent blackouts during extreme weather. It would also support new clean energy sources and help the region handle growth through 2044 and beyond.

What Could Change

If approved, Ontario would direct the IESO to run a competitive bidding process for the Toronto Third Line project, with a target completion date of 2037. The winning company would need experience with underwater transmission lines and Indigenous community engagement. Contract terms would include cost controls that affect electricity rates and requirements for Indigenous economic participation.

Key Issues

  • What experience should companies need to bid on this project?
  • How should Indigenous community engagement and economic participation be evaluated?
  • What contract terms should protect ratepayers and ensure the project stays on schedule?
  • How should Ontario and Canadian businesses be prioritized in the procurement?

How to Participate

  1. Read the proposal on the Environmental Registry of Ontario to understand the Toronto Third Line project and proposed requirements.
  2. Submit your comments online through the ERO notice page, or email janice.pillon@ontario.ca with ERO number 026-0019 in your message.

Key Documents