Hydro One Seeks Approval from the Ontario Energy Board to Build the North Shore Link

September 22, 2026

Hydro One and Hydro One Sault Ste. Marie LP (HOSSM) filed a joint leave-to-construct application with the Ontario Energy Board (OEB) to seek approval to construct the North Shore Link.

Once approved, Hydro One will construct the proposed North Shore Link, a new 230-kilovolt transmission line connecting Mississagi Transformer Station (TS) near Wharncliffe to HOSSM-owned Third Line TS in Sault Ste. Marie. As part of the project, Hydro One will upgrade Mississagi TS and expand nearby Algoma TS to meet system requirements, while HOSSM will manage all upgrades to Third Line TS. The $1.3 billion investment is expected to strengthen the connection between the northeast and northwest and improve the resiliency of the northern transmission system. The line is expected to be in service in 2029.

Based on local Indigenous community knowledge and input, as well as technical, socio-economic and environmental impacts in the project study area, Hydro One has identified the northern route as the preferred route. Hydro One’s evaluation of the route options considered four categories, including the natural and socio-economic environments; Indigenous culture, values and land use; and technical and cost considerations.

Through Hydro One’s First Nation Equity Partnership Model, nine potential First Nation partners will have the opportunity to invest in a 50 per cent equity stake in the transmission line component of the project. Together, Hydro One and participating First Nations will continue to collaborate on the planning, development and construction of the line.

“Electricity demand in Ontario is increasing. At the same time, infrastructure is aging and severe weather events are becoming more frequent. Communities and local businesses depend on reliable electricity to power daily life and the time to invest in the system is now,” said Ryan Docherty, Executive Vice President, Capital Portfolio Delivery, Hydro One. “The North Shore Link is one in a series of significant investments that we’ll advance with First Nations. Together, we are building a stronger, more resilient electricity grid that will support economic growth and help meet Ontario’s future electricity needs.”

Filing a leave-to-construct application under Section 92 of the Ontario Energy Board Act, 1998 is required for electricity transmitters in Ontario to obtain approval from the OEB to construct, expand or reinforce the transmission system. The application includes details on the project’s route, design, timing and cost.

For more information about the project, visit HydroOne.com/NorthShoreLink

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