Hydro One eyes possible transmission line through Wishart Park, Hiawatha

Local cycling and hiking groups are alerting their members that Hydro One is contemplating building a 230-kilovolt transmission line through some of Sault Ste. Marie's most beloved natural areas.

"Hydro One is proposing an option for a transmission route right through Hiawatha Highlands to support growing energy needs in the north," Sault Cycling Club said in a social media post yesterday.

"This is just one option, but concerned public has the opportunity to voice their concerns during the current environmental assessment happening now," the club says.

Hydro One wants to build a double-circuit transmission line connecting its Mississagi transformer station near Wharncliffe (north of Thessalon and Iron Bridge) and its Third Line transformer station in Sault Ste. Marie.

Three possible routes for the final leg of the line into the Sault are under consideration, one of which is raising red flags with local nature lovers.

"Check out out the website and the interactive map that shows route 3A (pink line) going from Third Line East between Birkshire and Old Garden River Road) up through Wishart, next to the fish hatchery, through Hiawatha Highlands to 6th Line East," the cycling club's Facebook page suggests.

The Saulteaux Voyageur Trail Club has also alerted its membership about the proposed routes.

"Depending on the chosen route, it could impact the trail at one or more places," the trail club says.

Both clubs are suggesting members attend a Hydro One open house on Tuesday Sept. 17 from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Fairfield Inn at 663 Great Northern Ave.

Other open houses are planned for Wednesday Sept. 18 at Searchmont Community Centre and Thursday Sept. 19 at the Elks Lodge in Echo Bay (both 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.).

"Rooted in engagement and consultation, the class environmental assessment ensures that potential natural, economic, social and cultural effects are thoroughly considered before a project begins," Hydro One says.

"We will meet with Indigenous communities, members of the public, businesses, government agencies and other stakeholders to better understand the region and local interests.

"As a part of our environmental assessment, we will also collect data, conduct environmental field surveys and perform technical assessments. Using both the feedback and data collected, each route will be evaluated and compared to ultimately select a preferred route."

After the class environmental assessment, the transmission line will also require approval from the  Ontario Energy Board.

The project will include expansions at Mississagi and Algoma transformer stations.

The Algoma station is east of Algoma Mills.

Here's the anticipated project schedule:

In-service target for the project is expected to be no later than 2029.