����ӰԺ

SAULT STE. MARIE, ONT. – Hydro One Inc. is hosting three open houses in Sault Ste. Marie, Searchmont and Echo Bay this month to engage with Indigenous communities, elected officials, property owners, businesses, residents and other interest groups for the proposed project.

The proposed line, formerly known as the Mississagi to Third Line, is a double-circuit 230-kilovolt transmission line between Mississagi Transformer Station, located west of Wharncliffe, and Third Line Transformer Station, located in Sault Ste. Marie.

As part of the company’s journey toward reconciliation with Indigenous communities, Hydro One has offered proximate First Nations a 50 per cent equity stake in the transmission line component of the project, indicates a release.

There will be three in-person opportunities for community members to learn more about the project and share feedback: Tuesday, Sept. 17, from 2 to 7 p.m. at Fairfield Inn and Suites, Sault Ste. Marie; Wednesday, Sept. 18, from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Searchmont Community Centre; and Thursday, Sept. 19, from 4 to 7 p.m. at Echo Bay Elks Lodge.

“Collaboration with Indigenous communities and residents is invaluable, and it’s essential to the success of our new transmission line projects,” said Sonny Karunakaran, vice-president of strategic projects and partnerships at Hydro One, in a statement. “Once built, the North Shore Link transmission line project will strengthen the region’s power infrastructure. By working with communities to gain insights and listen to feedback, we ensure that the new line will also foster long-term growth and sustainability for communities in the region.”