The Ontario Greenhouse…

The Ontario Greenhouse Vegetable Growers (OGVG) appreciates the government’s formal prioritization the construction of a new 230-kilovolt double-circuit transmission line between Lauzon Transformer Station (Windsor) and Lakeshore Transformer Station (Lakeshore) under Section 96.1 of the Ontario Energy Board Act, 1998. Prioritizing construction will facilitate growth in Essex County’s manufacturing sector and enable incremental capacity gains for Essex County’s robust greenhouse vegetable sector. Ontario’s greenhouse vegetable sector has grown annually at 5% over the last decade, with significant acreage gains due to supplemental lighting. Greenhouse vegetable farms have leveraged artificial lighting to bolster production to contribute $2.4 billion in Gross Domestic Product (GDP) to the Ontario economy. OGVG represents 170 farming families managing over 4,250 acres of tomatoes, peppers, and cucumbers, supporting more than 35,000 jobs throughout the full value chain.

We appreciate the recognition of electrical demand growth in Windsor-Essex of which the greenhouse expansions and retrofits for growing under lights have played a significant role. We ask for the continued prioritization of electrical infrastructure with direction for the twinning of the Longwood to Lakeshore transmission project. Under the guidance and direction of the Ontario Government, Hydro One undertook an Environmental Assessment (EA) for both lines. When completed, each line will add 550 megawatts (MW) to the grid. As of now only one (1) of the two (2) lines is planned for construction, which will increase costs and delay further growth in Southwestern Ontario, most acutely in the Windsor-Essex region. Current projections are on track for over 1,500 additional greenhouse acres under supplemental lighting, adding to the existing 1,127 acres of supplemental greenhouse lighting across the province. At this rate of growth, 550 MW will be entirely utilized before 2035 placing Windsor-Essex into an ongoing energy deficit and driving growth towards other jurisdictions.

OGVG members appreciate provincial support for growth and prioritizing infrastructure. We look forward to supporting infrastructure initiatives that support greenhouses and the economy across Ontario. As always available to answer any questions and provide further comment.