University students speak out against power line at Hiawatha

Although a proposal to build Hydro One transmission lines through Hiawatha Highlands was not supported at Sault Ste. Marie City Council last month, two Algoma University students are making their case to ensure the proposal remains off the table.

Alyx Denison and Stuart Ness are Master's students in Algoma University's biology program. On Tuesday, the pair presented research to the Sault Ste. Marie Region Conservation Authority (SSMRCA) in their opposition to the transmission lines proposed to cut through Hiawatha Highlands, including through a sensitive wetland area.

"Hiawatha is an important nationally known park that is more valuable in its current state than if a section was going to be destroyed to make way for the hydro line," said Denison.

Of particular concern for Denison, Ness and colleague Jordan Winter is the risk to the biodiversity of the area that would be affected by the construction of the power lines.

Denison told the board that Hiawatha Highlands is much more than just a park. 

"Research is conducted here and its extensive skiing hiking and biking trails make it accessible to everyone in our community," she said. "This park serves as a sanctuary where people can connect with nature, offering benefits to both their physical and mental health."

Denison said Hiawatha Highlands is a biodiversity haven and home to several species at risk.

"Our recent research conducted at Algoma University has documented plentiful populations of the Eastern wood pewee, Canadian warbler and the wood thrush, all of which are threatened species," she said.

SSMRCA chair Sandra Hollingsworth, who also serves as city councillor for Ward 1, noted that council voted unanimously in opposition to the proposed project at a meeting in September.

"We did vote against it and if, hypothetically, this comes back to our table we will continue to work very hard, strongly and loudly to ensure that what we love — and what all of us use day-to-day four seasons — we will make sure it's well preserved," said Hollingsworth.

Speaking to SooToday after their presentation, Denison and Ness said they heard about the proposed power lines during a seminar by Jennifer Foote, a professor at Algoma U.

"From that, we learned about this and because a lot of our colleagues have research that could be affected if this transmission line goes through, it's worth speaking up against," said Denison.

The pair said the presentation to the board was not part of their studies, but something they independently decided to get involved in.

"Dr. Foote framed it in her seminar and made it seem really pressing, like it's happening right now," said Ness. "That put a fire under our feet."

The pair said they are planning to continue studying the effects on local wildlife, even if and when a new route is proposed for the transmission lines.

"The common feedback we get is, 'I didn't know this was happening, I don't want this to happen,' so we've been working just to let our voices be heard and hopefully appeal to everyone," said Denison.

The North Shore Link is a 230-kilovolt Hydro One transmission line that will be built to provide power for Algoma Steel's electric arc furnace project. The electrical utility proposed three possible routes for the line, one of which would run through Hiawatha Highlands and Wishart Park.

In an email, city CAO Tom Vair said Hydro One is still gathering community feedback about the project through the environmental assessment process. He noted that council exclusively supports route 3C, which doesn't impede on Hiawatha Highlands, for the final leg of the transmission line.

"The EA process is extensive and Hydro One has committed to keeping the City informed," said Vair. "We will learn more in the coming months about their progress and the conclusions of the EA and can report back to Council and the community as this information is available from Hydro One."