Ontario approves underwater Toronto line
The new transmission line from Darlington Nuclear will boost electricity supply, support 285,000 homes, and create thousands of jobs.
Image for illustrative purposes
Canada, Ontario, Toronto: Facing rising electricity demand in Toronto, the Ontario government has approved plans to build a new underwater transmission line from the Darlington Nuclear Generating Station, crossing beneath Lake Ontario. The announcement was made on 7 January by Energy Minister Stephen Lecce, following a recommendation from the Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO).
The new line is expected to increase supply by 900 MW, enough to power up to 900,000 homes. Minister Lecce said: “We are thinking ahead and building for the future by approving a new transmission line that will enable 285,000 new homes, power new businesses, and create thousands of jobs.” He also noted the government will launch the first IESO-led competitive transmission procurement to lower costs and maximise benefits for families.
The province highlighted that electricity demand is growing fastest in Toronto’s downtown core, with existing transmission lines expected to reach full capacity by the 2030s. Running the line underwater rather than over land is seen as more direct, less costly, and less vulnerable to extreme weather.
Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow stated: “It is an exciting example of the province and city working together to build resilient, clean energy infrastructure that keeps costs down, supports good-paying jobs, and powers the projects that will shape Toronto’s future.”
Construction and commissioning of the line is expected to take between seven and ten years. Officials emphasised that the project is part of long-term planning to ensure Toronto’s energy system remains reliable and capable of supporting future growth.
The government said the underwater approach provides a practical solution to meet the city’s increasing electricity needs while minimising disruption to land areas.
Source: Global News
🔎 Explore more stories from Ontario
#Darlington Nuclear#electricity demand#energy infrastructure#Lake Ontario#Olivia Chow#Ontario#Stephen Lecce#Toronto#underwater transmission line