The timely development of…

The timely development of robust energy transmission infrastructure is vital to support this expansion, and the City is broadly supportive of this proposal. Please accept the following feedback across key areas of municipal interest:

Economic Development Alignment

Windsor is in a transformative phase of economic renewal. With substantial investments such as the NextStar Energy EV battery plant, the region is experiencing a sharp rise in energy demand. The proposed transmission project will:

•Provide essential grid capacity to serve both new and existing industrial users, while enabling growth across the Canadian supply chain;
•Support energy reliability and cost predictability, key factors in attracting and retaining businesses;
•Reinforce regional competitiveness in securing investment;
•Advance the objectives of Windsor’s Economic Development Strategy.
Infrastructure, Planning, and Asset Management
From a municipal infrastructure standpoint, we encourage early and ongoing coordination between Hydro One and the City’s engineering, planning, and asset management teams. Early engagement will:
•Prevent conflicts with existing and future public infrastructure;
•Facilitate alignment with Official Plans, master servicing plans and long-term growth areas;
•Allow for potential collaboration between infrastructure projects;

We also note that rights-of-way, substation locations, and related infrastructure should be evaluated in the context of existing and planned road networks, utility corridors, and future development lands.

Energy and Environmental Goals

As a municipality committed to climate action, Windsor is advancing both corporate and community-wide efforts to reduce emissions and promote energy efficiency. This project aligns with our broader energy transition objectives. In this context, we encourage:
•Strong environmental protections and proactive mitigation for impacts on farmland, watersheds, and natural features;
•Exploration of complementary solutions, including local energy storage and renewable generation;
•Continued coordination with municipalities on siting, design, and environmental considerations.
Indigenous Reconciliation and Inclusion
The City fully supports the Ministry’s commitment to reconciliation and the inclusion of Indigenous communities through equity partnerships and workforce opportunities. The Hydro One First Nation Equity Partnership Model is an important step forward. We encourage transparent reporting on outcomes and invite opportunities for municipalities to support these efforts in a complementary fashion.

Project Timeliness and Coordination

Given the IESO’s recommendation that the transmission line be in-service by 2032, the declaration of priority status is prudent. That said, timely execution will require:
•Coordination across municipal and provincial regulatory processes;
•Adequate resourcing to support expedited approvals;
•Clear communication and engagement with local stakeholders throughout the project lifecycle.

The City supports, in principle, the designation of the Windsor to Lakeshore Transmission Line as a priority infrastructure project. Administration will continue to work collaboratively with Ministry of Energy and Mines and Hydro One to support route planning and necessary approvals, while also advancing negotiations related to community benefits.