We write to express our…

We write to express our strong support for the proposal to facilitate and prioritize the development of the Greenstone Transmission Line (GTL).

The GTL is designed to reduce critical electricity transmission bottlenecks in Northern Ontario, supporting regional electrification and broader economic development. It will enable reliable, cost-effective electricity delivery to the region that is vital for both existing and new industrial activities such as mining. The improved transmission capacity will also enable access to new clean energy resources from the region, such as hydro and wind generation, which Ontario needs to meet its rapidly growing demand.

Facilitating development of the GTL supports Indigenous reconciliation and economic partnerships. First Nations rights holders have expressed support for the development of the line for over a decade. In 2016, eight First Nations signed a Memorandum of Understanding to align on the vision to collectively develop a new high voltage transmission line into Greenstone. These First Nations expressed concerns about the reliability of the current infrastructure and the potential loss of major developments and new economic opportunities in their traditional territories due to the lack of electricity capacity. Expediting development of the GTL would recognize the longstanding interest of First Nations in this project and demonstrate Government’s commitment to meaningful reconciliation.

The GTL is also necessary to improve local electricity reliability. The current 115kV line is over-used and insufficient to meet current needs. Greenstone’s radial line, between Geraldton and Nakina, is one of the oldest lines in Canada and has been consistently prone to failures, leading to multiple extended power outages in the area. The shortcomings of the existing transmission infrastructure highlight the need to move quickly to secure reliable electricity supply for the region.

We commend the Ministry for advancing this proposal to prioritize the GTL. This action will ensure the project can come online as efficiently as possible and realize its full potential to support sustainable growth, reconciliation, and energy security in Ontario.