Ontario Breaks Ground on New St. Clair Transmission Line
September 10, 2025
Province powering economic growth and job creation in Southwestern Ontario
COURTRIGHT – Today, the Ontario government announced that Hydro One is breaking ground on the St. Clair Transmission Line, a major infrastructure project that supports the province’s plan to protect Ontario by securing provincial energy supplies, fuelling economic growth and creating good-paying jobs. The new 64-kilometre, double-circuit 230 kilovolt (kV) transmission line will connect the County of Lambton and Municipality of Chatham-Kent, while expanding the existing Chatham Switching Station and Lambton Transformer Station (TS) and converting the existing Wallaceburg TS to 230 kV by 2028.
“Southwestern Ontario is thriving, and reliable energy is essential to keep that momentum going,” said Stephen Lecce, Minister of Energy and Mines. “The St. Clair Transmission Line will deliver the affordable, clean power our communities and businesses need to grow and stay competitive. This project is a major step forward in our government’s plan to protect Ontario by building a stronger, self-reliant energy system that creates jobs and powers our economy for generations to come.”
Southwestern Ontario is the site of some of the fastest industrial and population growth in the province, fueled by Canada’s first EV and battery manufacturing facilities, expanded greenhouse operations and major residential development. With electricity demand in the Windsor-Essex and surrounding Chatham region expected to grow to more than 2,300 megawatts (MW) over the next 10 years and provincial demand projected to increase 75 per cent by 2050, ensuring a reliable electricity system in this region is critical to keeping jobs and investment while preventing costly delays to new connections. This new transmission line will provide 450 MW of reliable power to the region – the equivalent of adding enough power for a city of the size of Windsor.
In 2022, Hydro One was directed by the government to begin early development work on the St. Clair Transmission Line following public and Indigenous consultations. This project is part of a network of electricity infrastructure projects that will support the regions’ economic growth. Construction of the project is anticipated to generate approximately 70 new jobs and will be led by Hydro One’s contractor partners, Forbes Bros. and Black & McDonald.
The St. Clair Transmission Line is part of Energy for Generations, the government’s long-term plan to deliver reliable, affordable and secure energy to power Ontario’s future. Backed by record investments in energy infrastructure, Ontario’s integrated approach is giving Indigenous communities, municipalities, businesses and industry partners the confidence to invest, grow and build here in Ontario. With a clear path forward, the plan is not only meeting the demands of today, but it is protecting jobs, supporting workers and powering economic growth for generations to come.
Quick Facts
Quotes
“Breaking ground on the St. Clair Transmission Line is an important step in securing Ontario’s energy security for our future. Lambton has significant history in producing and supplying energy for our province, I’m proud to see that tradition will continue for generations to come.”
– Bob Bailey
MPP Sarnia-Lambton
“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. By strengthening the local electricity infrastructure, it will help meet the growing demand for energy and provide the reliable power that families, farmers, and businesses in Lambton–Kent–Middlesex depend on every day.”
– Steve Pinsonneault
MPP Lambton-Kent-Middlesex
“With today’s groundbreaking we are closer to achieving our shared vision for a stronger more sustainable energy future for our region, being St. Clair Township. The progress on the St. Clair transmission line is a testament to Hydro One’s continued commitment to our region. We remain focused on ensuring that the voices and interests are reflected every step of the way.”
– Jeff Agar
Mayor, St. Clair Township
“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. 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. Together, we’re building a more self-reliant and secure electricity system to power growth in every corner of the province. We know taking action today will create a stronger Ontario for future generations.”
– Megan Telford
Chief Operating Officer, Hydro One
“The groundbreaking of the St. Clair Transmission Line is a major win for Sarnia-Lambton. Reliable electricity is key to powering local businesses, supporting new jobs, and fueling the growth of our community. Investments like this ensure Southwestern Ontario remains a competitive place to live, work, and invest.”
– Carrie McEachran
CEO, Sarnia Lambton Chamber of Commerce
“Forbes Bros. is proud to partner with Hydro One and our First Nation partners as construction gets underway on the St. Clair Transmission Line. This project will help bring reliable, affordable, and secure power to communities across Lambton and Chatham-Kent, supporting the growth of homes, farms and industry in southwestern Ontario. Our commitment is straightforward: build it safely, do it right the first time, and work shoulder-to-shoulder with local businesses and workers to deliver a line that serves the region for decades.”
– Matthew Forbes
Chief Executive Officer, Forbes Bros. Group of Companies
“The Ontario Energy Association (OEA) is pleased to see this critical project moving forward. Hydro One breaking ground on the St. Clair Transmission line is a significant step forward for the future of southwestern Ontario. This vital project will deliver the reliable, clean power that is essential for our growing communities and burgeoning industries, from the burgeoning EV and battery manufacturing sector to the critical agricultural industry. This investment demonstrates a commitment to building a more resilient and prosperous Ontario for generations to come.”
– Vince Brescia
President and CEO, Ontario Energy Association
“To meet growing energy demands, this transmission line is essential to the success of Ontario’s agriculture sector in southwestern Ontario, where farming and food production are economic cornerstones. We appreciate the partnership of the Ontario Government and Hydro One in addressing the energy needs of our farms and rural communities by helping bring affordable and reliable electricity to more areas. As we work to power and feed the future, we look forward to continued collaboration to build an energy system that supports both our infrastructure needs and the long-term preservation of Ontario’s productive farmland.”
– Drew Spoelstra
President, Ontario Federation of Agriculture
“Reliable energy infrastructure is essential to Ontario’s economic growth and competitiveness. The Ontario Chamber of Commerce welcomes the groundbreaking of the St. Clair Transmission Line, a vital investment that will power communities, attract new industries, and create good-paying jobs in Southwestern Ontario. The business community appreciates this commitment to building a stronger, more connected Ontario.”
– Daniel Tisch
President & CEO, Ontario Chamber of Commerce
“On behalf of Black & McDonald Limited, I extend our congratulations to the Province of Ontario and Hydro One for kicking off this major project. As a long-standing Canadian organization deeply rooted in Ontario’s infrastructure development, we recognize the significance of this milestone – not only for the energy sector, but for the broader economic and industrial growth of Southwestern Ontario. We are proud to see investments like these that will ensure the energy capacity required to meet both today’s demands and the needs of future generations. The St. Clair project reflects the kind of forward-thinking infrastructure Ontario needs to maintain its competitive edge and to support the workers, businesses, and communities that depend on it. Black & McDonald Limited is committed to supporting this momentum and we look forward to continuing our collaboration with Hydro One and all stakeholders in building a stronger, more resilient Ontario.”
– Ian McDonald
Co-CEO, Black & McDonald Limited
“Atura Power applauds the advancement of the St. Clair Transmission Line. As the owner and operator of a fleet of combined-cycle gas turbine electricity generating stations, we recognize the need for new and expanded energy infrastructure to ensure that southwestern Ontario homes and business get the reliable and affordable power they need, when they need it.”
– Tom Patterson
President and CEO, Atura Power
Additional Resources
Energy for Generations: Ontario’s Integrated Plan to Power the Strongest Economy in the G7
Ontario Supporting Economic Growth in Southwest Ontario
St. Clair Transmission Line Project