Latest news with #SonnyKarunakaran
CTV News
10-06-2025
- Business
- CTV News
Hydro One to hold information sessions on a new power line
Hydro One is preparing for the construction of a 260-km transmission line between Wawa and Timmins, with service expected by the end of 2030. Hydro One is preparing for the construction of a 260-km transmission line between Wawa and Timmins, with service expected by the end of 2030. With demand for electricity expected to increase in Ontario by 75 per cent by 2050, Hydro One is preparing for the construction of a 260-kilometre transmission line between Wawa and Timmins, with service expected by the end of 2030. Sonny Karunakaran, vice-president of Strategic Projects and Partnership for Hydro One, said the new transmission line will be better for the environment. Timmins Hydro One Hydro One will hold public information sessions in July regarding the new Wawa to Timmins transmission line. (CTV News file photo) 'Industries that are presently reliant on certain fossil fuels can have the opportunity to look at decarbonization and conversion of energy, into cleaner sources accordingly,' Karunakaran said. Open houses Before work begins, Hydro One will host open houses in Timmins on July 7; in Chapleau on July 8; and, in Wawa on July 9. All sessions will be open to the public and held at Royal Canadian Legion branches. Hydro One is also working with nearby First Nations, who can invest in a 50 per cent equity stake in the transmission line component. 'Our communities have been long in the back seat when it comes to industrial development, so we're so happy to be included 50-50 with our partners at Hydro One,' said Jason Batise, executive director of Wabun Tribal Council. 'Adding our expertise and experience to … advise on things like route selection and ensuring that our communities are comfortable with where the line is going to be and how it's going to operate.' Batise said public input is mostly needed on environmental issues to ensure sensitive areas are avoided.
CTV News
07-05-2025
- Business
- CTV News
Route 3B: Hydro One set to build new power line across Lakeshore and Chatham-Kent
Map of power line across Lakeshore and Chatham-Kent. (Source: Hydro One) Hydro One revealed Wednesday the selected route for a new transmission line which will end in Strathroy, Ont. The 120-kilometer route will begin at the Lakeshore Transformer Station, just outside of Comber, before crossing Highway 401 west of Tilbury. It will then cross and follow the Thames River through Chatham, across the north end of the urban portion of the municipality. 'Route 3B was chosen because it has the least impact on residential and commercial properties and crosses fewer features with archaeological and cultural heritage protection including avoidance of the North Buxton National Historic site which is (affiliated) with the underground railroad,' Sonny Karunakaran, Vice President of Strategic Projects and Partnerships said during a media briefing. Karunakaran also said Route 3B has the lowest impact on the environment and any species at risk along the route. He told the media the route will use 25 kilometers of 'idle transmission line', although he didn't say where the idle line is currently located. Land acquisition to begin Hydro One will now begin the process of contacting all the impacted landowners to purchase the property they need for the towers. 'Transmission lines can be co-located with many land uses. Agriculture in the area is a perfect, co-location with the transmission towers,' Karunakaran said. 'We work with the landowner to ensure that wherever we are placing the infrastructure we mitigate (and) minimize any impacts to their existing operations.' He said Hydro One had '100 per cent voluntary settlement' with all 120 private landowners needed for the 50-kilometer Chatham to Lakeshore transmission line that was energized last fall. 'We take that aspect very seriously,' Karunakaran said. 'We try and work very closely with (landowners) to make the micro refinements and adjustments, where practicable, such that people, transmission lines and their existing operations can exist in harmony.' Public Information Sessions To move the project to the next step, Hydro One has organized a series of Town Hall meetings to go over the finer points of the plan: Thursday, May 15 from 7 to 8 p.m. (Virtual open house hosted on our project website) Wednesday, June 4 from 4 to 7 p.m. in Chatham Thursday, June 5 from 4 to 7 p.m. in Tilbury Wednesday, June 11 from 4 to 7 p.m. in Thamesville Thursday, June 12 from 4 to 7 p.m. in Glencoe Residents or landowners who cannot attend can give their feedback on the project website.
