PETERBOROUGH, ONT. — Ontario’s Hydro One has announced dates for community open houses to solicit input on its Durham Kawartha Power Line project.
The corporation intends to consult with Indigenous communities, elected officials, property owners, businesses, residents and other interest groups on the project, formerly known as the Greater Toronto Area East Line, stated a release. Three open houses to be held in late June will offer project updates, present route details and gather local input.
Regional Indigenous communities will have other opportunities to collaborate on the early planning and development of the project.
“Integrating local feedback and knowledge from Indigenous partners and the community is vital for the planning and design of the Durham Kawartha Power Line project,” stated Hydro One vice-president Sonny Karunakaran in a statement. “Electricity demand in eastern Ontario is expected to grow rapidly over the next 20 years and once built, this transmission line will increase reliability, advance First Nations equity partnerships and promote economic prosperity in the region today and in the future.”
The route for the proposed project prioritizes the use of existing transmission corridors where possible. Route alternatives will be evaluated for a small portion of the line.
The open houses will be held June 25 from 2 to 7 p.m. at Solina Community Hall in Solina; June 26 from 2 to 7 p.m. at Peterborough Lions Community Centre in Peterborough; and June 27 from 2 to 7 p.m. at Bethany United Church, Bethany.