Ontario Fast-Tracks Red Lake Transmission Line and Launches New Hydroelectricity Program
Press Release
April 23, 2026
Province expanding northern energy infrastructure and launching new programs to power mining, create jobs and drive economic growth in the North
THUNDER BAY – As part of its plan to protect Ontario and build a stronger, self-reliant economy, the government is taking decisive action to expand electricity infrastructure in Northern Ontario. Today, Stephen Lecce, Minister of Energy and Mines announced the government has, through a Minister’s letter to the Ontario Energy Board (OEB), declared the Red Lake transmission line a priority project and designated Hydro One to develop and construct it. The new 162-kilometre double-circuit 230-kV transmission line connecting through Dryden, Ear Falls and Red Lake is a critical piece of infrastructure that will help power one of the most promising mining regions in Canada and enable major new investments across the North while supporting 5,800 jobs and $830 million in GDP. Ontario is also launching the new Northern Hydro Program to ensure northern communities have access to reliable, affordable power to fuel economic growth.
“Our government is on a mission to grow our economy by generating more reliable hydro power in the North and electrifying one of Ontario’s most mineral rich regions with a new transmission line,” said Stephen Lecce, Minister of Energy and Mines. “We are accelerating the transmission line to power new mines, strengthen energy security and create good jobs. This important next step of Ontario’s plan will unlock more than 5,800 good-paying jobs and unlock $830 million in economic potential, all delivered in true partnership with First Nations.”
In the Red Lake region, electricity demand will increase potentially as high as 525 per cent, rising from approximately 120 megawatts today to potentially over 750 megawatts by 2050. This increase is being driven by growing communities and a thriving mining sector that is expected to grow by 41 potential new mines by 2033. Expanding electricity infrastructure in the Red Lake Region is vital to support significant mining projects, including the recently announced Kinross Gold’s Great Bear Project and the Frontier Lithium’s PAK Lithium Project, accelerated through the 1P1P framework, and will deliver hundreds of good-paying jobs to the region.
Declaring the Red Lake Transmission project a priority project and designating Hydro One as the transmitter will speed up Ontario Energy Board approval processes and provide the regulatory certainty needed to begin development work, continue engagement and consultation with Indigenous communities, including economic partnerships and employment opportunities. First Nations communities will also have access to Hydro One’s First Nations equity partnership model that provides up to a 50 per cent equity stake in the new transmission line once construction is complete.
To keep reliable and affordable power as Ontario’s mining sector grows, the government is launching the new Northern Hydro Program. This program will renew contracts for hydroelectric stations larger than 10 megawatts (MW), securing more than 1,000 MW of existing capacity, most of which is located in Northern Ontario. Hydroelectricity currently provides approximately 24 per cent of Ontario’s power and this initiative will provide the operational security needed to secure the province’s existing large hydroelectric fleet that have contracts set to expire before 2050.
As part of the province’s broader energy security plan, the government has also directed the IESO to launch the first-ever competitive Long-Lead Time procurement to secure up to one terawatt-hour per year of new hydroelectric power, and up to 800 megawatts of capacity from long-duration storage. Applications will officially open May 10, 2026, with successful projects connecting to the grid by May 2035.
Energy For Generations, Ontario’s first integrated energy plan, highlights the importance of advancing new transmission infrastructure and securing hydroelectric generation across the province that supports economic growth for Ontario families and businesses, drives economic growth in Northern Ontario, and supports key industries such as mining for critical minerals.
Quick Facts
- The government has issued an Order-In-Council (OIC) and a Minister’s Directive to the Ontario Energy Board (OEB) to amend Hydro One’s transmission licence, formally designating them as the transmitter for the Red Lake Transmission Project.
- A separate OIC has also declared the new transmission lines, expected to be in service in the early 2030s, as a priority project, helping to reduce the risk of delays from the regulatory approvals process.
- The Ministry of Energy and Mines undertook consultation on the Red Lake Transmission Project in relation to the OICs and Directive on the Environmental Registry of Ontario.
- Ontario’s mining sector supports 28,000 direct jobs and 46,000 indirect jobs through associated mineral processing and mining supply and services.
- A recent report by the Northwestern Ontario Municipal Association’s (NOMA) Northwest Energy Task Force is predicting 41 potential new mines by 2033.
- There are currently 37 active mining operations in Ontario.
Quotes
“In designating the Red Lake transmission Line as a priority project, we are fortifying the electrical capacity needed to serve the exciting regional growth and development taking shape across Northwestern Ontario. Working in lockstep with First Nations communities, we continue to advance critical infrastructure and drive economic reconciliation.”
– Greg Rickford
Minister of Indigenous Affairs and First Nations Economic Reconciliation and Minister Responsible for Ring of Fire Economic and Community Partnerships, MPP for Kenora—Rainy River
“I’m pleased to see the next steps to advance the Red Lake Transmission Line being announced today. This is an important project that will strengthen electricity infrastructure in Northwestern Ontario and support long-term economic growth. As demand continues to rise across the north, driven by community growth and the mining sector, investments like this are critical to keeping pace. This project will also help create good paying jobs during construction and support future development opportunities across the region.”
– Kevin Holland
MPP for Thunder Bay – Atikokan
“Today’s announcement is incredibly important for Red Lake and for communities across Northwestern Ontario. The Red Lake Transmission Project has been a long-standing priority, and its advancement will help unlock new economic opportunities, support our mining sector, and ensure reliable, affordable power for our residents and businesses. We are also encouraged by the province’s commitment to strengthening Northern hydroelectric capacity and planning for future energy needs. Reliable energy is the backbone of growth in the North, and these steps signal that our region is being recognized as a key part of Ontario’s economic future. We look forward to continuing to work with Minister Lecce and the province to ensure these investments deliver real benefits on the ground for Red Lake and the broader Northwest.”
– Fred Mota
Mayor, Municipality of Red Lake
“Wabauskang First Nation is located along the route of this transmission project, and our community must be meaningfully involved at every stage. Ontario has taken an important step by engaging us early as a key partner. We are ready to work collaboratively to ensure the project brings economic opportunities for our people while protecting our lands, waters, and values.”
– Chief Bill Petiquan
Wabauskang First Nation
“Eagle Lake First Nation strongly believes that projects taking place within our traditional territory must be done in collaboration and partnership with our Nation. Doing so ensures that we can fulfil our duty as stewards of the land and develop projects in a way that respects our traditional laws, teachings and values. This translates into projects that do not compromise environmental protections for economic development and protect our traditional lands for future generations. We are proud to work in partnership with Hydro One and the other partner First Nations to advance this project in a good and respectful way.”
– Chief Bernadette Wabange
Eagle Lake First Nation
“This project will support regional growth and provide long-term energy capacity to the recently connected First Nations north of Red Lake. Lac Seul First Nation applauds Ontario for prioritizing this project and recognizing the value of First Nation partnerships to move it forward in a good way.”
– Chief Clifford Bull
Lac Seul First Nation
“Wabigoon Lake Ojibway Nation has a strong track record of building business partnerships that deliver real benefits for our members. Our partnership with Hydro One and other regional First Nations on this new transmission line marks our second major transmission project together, and we are proud to continue growing these strategic relationships. We plan to apply the lessons learned from our previous transmission project to make this the best one yet for First Nations—creating greater benefits and opportunities for our Nation while supporting long-term regional prosperity. This partnership reflects our identity as Anishinaabe people, where economic opportunity and cultural strength go hand in hand as we build a better future for the next generations.”
– Chief Clayton Wetelainen
Wabigoon Lake Ojibway Nation
“The Ontario Energy Association (OEA) welcomes the Ontario government’s announcement of the Red Lake Transmission Line, which will be delivered by Hydro One. Hydro One’s proven expertise in building and operating essential transmission infrastructure will help improve system reliability, unlock new generation opportunities, support economic growth for First Nations communities, and power critical mineral development across Northwestern Ontario.”
– Vince Brescia
President & CEO, Ontario Energy Association
“Minister Lecce’s announcement reflects the kind of forward-looking investment Northern Ontario has been calling for. The Red Lake Transmission Project is a vital piece of infrastructure that will help connect opportunity to capacity—supporting resource development, strengthening regional economies, and ensuring communities have the power they need to grow. The move to advance the Northern Hydro Program is equally important. It recognizes that Northern Ontario’s existing hydroelectric assets are not only reliable, but foundational to our long-term energy security and economic resilience. NOMA stands ready to continue working collaboratively with the province to ensure these investments deliver lasting benefits for Northwestern Ontario communities.”
– Rick Dumas
President, Northwestern Ontario Municipal Association (NOMA)
“This government’s Integrated Energy Plan clearly recognizes the importance of sustaining and expanding our solid hydroelectric base. In securing existing assets well into the future through the Northern Hydro Program and launching the first competitive procurement for new hydroelectric development in more than a decade, today’s announcement will inspire immediate and long-term investment in Made in Ontario waterpower.”
– Paul Norris
President, Ontario Waterpower Association
“Demand for electricity in Northern Ontario is growing rapidly, and we need to take action to ensure that our electricity system is ready to meet that demand. That’s why the government of Ontario and the IESO are taking a comprehensive approach that includes building new transmission infrastructure, re-contracting existing hydroelectric facilities, and launching Ontario’s first competitive Long-Lead Time procurement to secure new future-ready resources.”
– Lesley Gallinger
President and CEO, Independent Electricity System Operator
“The Ontario Mining Association welcomes the development of the Red Lake Transmission Project and the initiatives from the Independent Electricity System Operator to improve Ontario’s energy capacity. This sends a strong signal of confidence in Northern Ontario as reliable power is essential to supporting mining, including projects advancing toward production in the Red Lake district, ultimately driving growth, and unlocking the North’s potential.”
– Priya Tandon
President, Ontario Mining Association
“Reliable, affordable electricity is foundational to responsibly advancing major mining and critical mineral projects in Northern Ontario. Ontario’s leadership in expanding transmission capacity in the Red Lake region and securing long term power provides the certainty needed to advance projects like Frontier’s PAK Lithium Project, support local communities, and build resilient, made in Ontario critical mineral supply chains.”
– Trevor Walker
President and CEO of Frontier Lithium
“As electricity demand grows, securing and expanding hydropower capacity is essential to maintaining reliability and affordability. Hydropower is a generational asset that underpins Canada’s electricity system, and the government of Ontario’s announcement reflects its strategy of using long-term planning to support a reliable, affordable, and integrated electricity system for generations to come.”
– Lorena Patterson
President and CEO, WaterPower Canada
“Reliable energy is fundamental to Northern Ontario’s economic future. MineConnect supports the Province’s commitment to securing existing hydroelectric capacity and advancing long-lead time procurement. These actions will strengthen Northern Ontario’s energy foundation and enable the growth of resilient, globally competitive mining and industrial supply chains.”
– Marla Tremblay
Executive Director, MineConnect
“Expanding electrical infrastructure is essential to power Northern Ontario’s potential, especially in strategic sectors such as mining. The Ontario Chamber has called for streamlined approvals, timely transmission expansion, and meaningful partnerships with Indigenous communities, and it’s encouraging to see the government both listening and leading.”
– Daniel Tisch
President and CEO, Ontario Chamber of Commerce
“West Red Lake Gold Mines is very pleased with the announcement. Growth of the Madsen mine will require additional power load that this expansion will ensure is available. ”
– Shane Williams
President and CEO, West Red Lake Gold Mines
“We commend the Ontario government’s leadership in expanding critical electricity infrastructure in Northern Ontario. Increased transmission capacity is critical to supporting growing regional demand, improving system reliability for local and Indigenous communities, and enabling future mining projects that are central to economic development and job creation. These initiatives will provide the long-term energy security needed to support major investments and help unlock the region’s full potential, and we support the province’s continued engagement with Hydro One, Indigenous communities, and regional stakeholders to ensure a coordinated and efficient path forward. Premier Ford and Minister Lecce have been strong and tireless advocates for attracting new mining investment to Ontario – supporting good jobs, strong public revenues, and meaningful socioeconomic benefits for local and Indigenous communities at a time when investing here at home is critical. Their continued leadership will ensure Ontario remains a leading destination for responsible development in the years ahead.”
– J. Paul Rollinson
CEO, Kinross Gold
“Evolution Mining welcomes the Ontario government’s decision to progress the Red Lake transmission project. This will strengthen the region’s access to reliable energy and reinforce the government’s commitment to economic growth. Reliable and affordable energy is a non discretionary input and a key enabler of sustainable mining operations. Today’s announcement underscores Ontario’s commitment to remaining a leading mining jurisdiction and supports Evolution’s ongoing operations and future planning. We look forward to the benefits these energy infrastructure projects will deliver to Red Lake and beyond.”
– John Penhall
Vice President, Evolution Mining Red Lake Operations
“Ontario’s long-term growth depends on strong and reliable electricity infrastructure. The Red Lake Transmission Line will support northern reliability, enable growth and help power communities north of Dryden. We continue to work with First Nations as partners to develop these projects, ensuring they reflect local priorities and support economic reconciliation. We thank the government for its continued trust as we invest in a strong and secure electricity system for the future.”
– Ryan Docherty
Executive Vice President, Capital Portfolio Delivery, Hydro One
Additional Resources
IESO Northern Hydro Program webpage
Media Contacts
Noah Mawji
Minister Lecce’s Office
Noah.Mawji@ontario.ca
Robert Quartarone
Communications Branch
Robert.Quartarone@ontario.ca
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