RE: ERO #025-0660 -…

RE: ERO #025-0660 - Enhancing Transmission Capacity in Northern Ontario – The Greenstone Transmission Line

Dear Minister Lecce,

On behalf of the Ontario Real Estate Association (OREA) and our nearly 100,000 REALTOR® Members, we would like to thank you and the Ministry of Energy and Mines for your work in supporting critical infrastructure in Northern Ontario, in accordance with a preliminary report on the Northern Ontario Connection Study. Prioritizing new energy infrastructure projects will help strengthen Ontario’s ability to build new homes and meet the government’s ambitious housing goals.

As mentioned in our 2024 report, Analysis of Ontario’s Efforts to Boost Housing Supply, OREA strongly believes that decisions that affect necessary household needs, such as those regarding hydro or utilities, will help unlock much needed housing in rural communities.

The proposal to prioritize the Greenstone Transmission Line, with Hydro One designated as the line’s developer and transmitter, will help ensure reliable access to energy in Northern Ontario, including for remote First Nations communities – ultimately accelerating housing starts by creating the infrastructure needed for new developments.

Thank you for the opportunity to participate in the consultation process. These projects will open the door to future housing starts by expanding critical infrastructure across the province. We appreciate the opportunity to work together towards our shared goal of helping Ontarians find affordable housing in the communities they want to live in.