Demand for electricity in the South Nepean area has almost doubled since 2002. Over the next twenty years, electricity needs in this community are expected to more than double once again due to the pace of planned residential and commercial developments. To ensure South Nepean has the power to grow, Hydro Ottawa Limited (Hydro Ottawa) and Hydro One Networks Inc. (Hydro One) have started planning for new electricity facilities to serve your community’s growing needs.

Hydro Ottawa and Hydro One are proposing to construct a new municipal transformer station (MTS) in South Nepean and to rebuild an existing single circuit 115 kilovolt (kV) transmission line to a new double circuit line with 230 kV capacity. The rebuilt line would connect the new MTS to an existing 230 kV line south of West Hunt Club Road. This existing line connects to the Manotick station, which is on Bankfield Road directly east of the 416 interchange.

Rebuilding the transmission line would require replacing the existing transmission structures and widening the corridor in certain locations. A temporary by-pass line would be constructed in order to maintain power supply to local residents during construction.

The Power South Nepean project is being planned in accordance with the Class Environmental Assessment (EA) for Minor Transmission Facilities, approved under Ontario’s Environmental Assessment Act. The Class EA is a streamlined process that has proven effective in ensuring that minor transmission projects that have a predictable range of effects are planned and carried out in an efficient and environmentally-acceptable manner. This project will also require approval from federal agencies under the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act.

Contingent on the completion of the Class EA process and other planning approvals, Hydro Ottawa and Hydro One will submit an application to the Ontario Energy Board seeking approval to construct the project. It is anticipated that construction of these new facilities could begin in 2020 and be in service in 2021.

Consultation and public input is an important part of the project planning process and your opinions matter. A Community Information Session took place earlier this week but if you didn't attend, you can find more information here: powersouthnepean.com.  If you have any questions, you are invited to contact [email protected].

North Gower Farmers’ Market Christmas Market

This annual Christmas Market is just around the corner. Come out to the Alfred Taylor Centre in North Gower on Saturday, December 9th between 9:00am and 2:00pm. All of your favourite vendors will be in attendance and music will be provided by Ryan King. Also, word on the street is that Santa Claus is scheduled to make an appearance. For more information, please visit www.ngfarmersmarket.com.

*****

If you have any comments, questions or concerns, please feel free to email me at [email protected] or contact me by phone at 613-580-2491. For information on Rideau-Goulbourn issues, please visit RideauGoulbourn.ca.