Ontario Construction News staff writer
- CLAIR TOWNSHIP – Hydro One Inc., along with First Nation partners and provincial and municipal leaders, has broken ground on the St. Clair Transmission Line, a $471.9-million project designed to boost electricity supply in southwestern Ontario.
The line is expected to support economic development in a region experiencing rapid growth, including electric vehicle manufacturing and farming operations. Once complete, the line will deliver an additional 450 megawatts of clean electricity — enough to power a city the size of London.
Construction is expected to create about 70 jobs and will be led by Hydro One’s contractor partners, Forbes Bros. Group of Companies and Black & McDonald Ltd.
“At Forbes Bros., we take pride in building more than just transmission lines — we’re building connections that support people, communities, and future growth,” said Matthew Forbes, chief executive officer of Forbes Bros. Group of Companies. “Partnering with Hydro One and our First Nation partners on the St. Clair Transmission Line is a responsibility we take seriously, and our team is committed to delivering the project safely, efficiently, and with respect for the communities we serve.”
Electricity demand in southwestern Ontario is projected to quadruple by 2035, according to the Independent Electricity System Operator, while provincewide demand is forecast to grow by 75 per cent by 2050.
“The St. Clair Transmission Line and associated work are a key step in strengthening Ontario’s energy infrastructure,” said Stephen Midlige, general manager of Black & McDonald Ltd. “As a Canadian-founded and family-owned company, we’re proud to help bring this project to life alongside Hydro One and partners, ensuring lasting value for southwest Ontario communities.”
“With today’s groundbreaking we’re building more than infrastructure, we’re taking another step forward to help power the future for the region and province,” said Megan Telford, Hydro One’s chief operating officer. “Each new line Hydro One builds is an opportunity for partnership with First Nations and to buy goods and services from Indigenous and Ontario suppliers.”
The project is part of a broader network of transmission upgrades, including the Chatham to Lakeshore line energized in late 2024 and the Longwood to Lakeshore line, now under development. Hydro One is advancing the work under its 50-50 First Nation Equity Partnership Model, offering participating First Nations a half ownership stake in the transmission line component.
“This project highlights the vital role First Nations have in shaping Ontario’s energy future,” said Janelle Nahmabin, Chief of Aamjiwnaang First Nation. “By bringing Indigenous knowledge and leadership to the table, we are helping to build a stronger, more resilient electricity system.”
Local officials say the project will help attract investment to the region.
“This project is great news for our community that will create jobs during construction, support future economic growth, and ensure our region remains well-positioned to attract new investment and opportunities,” said Steve Pinsonneault, Progressive Conservative MPP for Lambton—Kent—Middlesex.