Hydro One is kicking off a series of community open houses in Chatham-Kent for the new Longwood to Lakeshore Transmission Line project.
The first of five meetings will be held on Tuesday from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Brunner Community Centre, located at 32 Wallace Street in Thamesville.
Hydro One is initiating an Environmental Assessment (EA) for two new single-circuit 500-kilovolt transmission lines that will run from the Longwood Transfromer Station in Strathroy-Caradoc to the Lakeshore Transformer Station in Lakeshore.
"This comprehensive EA will be carried out in accordance with the requirements of the Ontario Environmental Assessment Act," the electricity provider said in a statement. "The EA process ensures that potential natural, economic, social, and cultural effects are thoroughly considered before a project begins."
The first step in the process is to determine the project's framework and work plan in order to address the Ontario Environment Assessment Act, according to Hydro One.
Map of project area and route alternatives. (Hydro One)
"This includes outlining the studies and consultation activities to be completed, along with identifying alternative routes for the new lines within the study area, shown on the included map," the statement read.
The first transmission line is anticipated to be complete in 2030.
A second meeting will be held on Wednesday, March 22 at the Glencore Agricultural Hall in Glencoe followed by a third in Mount Brydges on Thursday, March 23 at the Caradoc Community Centre. Both meetings will run from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
There will be a meeting in Comber on Wednesday, March 28 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Comber Community Centre. A fifth will be held in Chatham on Thursday, March 30 at the Active Lifestyle Centre located at 20 Merrit Avenue in Chatham.
Officials will be at each open house to share details about the project, answer questions, and gather community feedback.