Ontario Connecting Ring of Fire with New Transmission Line

New electricity infrastructure will help unlock the Ring of Fire, creating more than 7,000 jobs and driving economic growth in the North

ETOBICOKE – As part of its plan to protect Ontario and build a stronger, more self-reliant economy, the government is taking a major step to power northern Ontario and unlock the vast economic potential of Ring of Fire by declaring the Greenstone Transmission Line a priority project and designating Hydro One to develop and construct it. Today, Stephen Lecce, Minister of Energy and Mines, and Greg Rickford, Minister of Indigenous Affairs and First Nations Economic Reconciliation and Minister Responsible for Ring of Fire Economic and Community Partnerships, were joined by Chief Yvette Metansinine of Animbiigoo Zaagi-igan Anishinaabek First Nation, Chief Gladys Thompson of Biinjitiwaabik Zaaging Anishinaaek First Nation, Chief Paul Gladu of Bingwi Neyaashi Anishnaabek First Nation, and Chief Allan Odawa Jr. of Red Rock Indian Band to announce that the Ontario government is accelerating construction of the 230-kilometre line that will run from Nipigon Bay to near Aroland First Nation and the gateway to the Ring of Fire.

The Greenstone project will create more than 7,000 jobs and is part of the government’s broader plan to protect Ontario by driving economic growth in the North, supporting mining sector development and reshoring Ontario’s domestic supply chains. The government and Hydro One have also committed to leveraging the Canadian and Ontario supply chain, with 93 per cent of the project’s costs to date staying in the country and supporting thousands of Canadian workers.

“Last year, our government took action to bolster our self-reliance by reducing the permitting timelines by 50 per cent to build mines faster, along with a new processing fund to end the ripping and shipping of our resources abroad,” said Stephen Lecce, Minister of Energy and Mines, and MPP for King—Vaughan. “We are putting Canada first by accelerating a plan to create 70,000 jobs supporting the Ring of Fire. With President Trump’s economic assault on our country, Ontario is officially giving the greenlight to build the Greenstone Transmission Line, delivering the energy backbone and infrastructure to unlock the Ring of Fire’s vast mineral potential. Ontario has what the world needs as a reliable and stable democratic partner, and that is why we are unlocking one of the largest undeveloped, high-grade deposits of critical minerals on earth.”

With electricity demand in northern Ontario projected to increase by 81 per cent by 2050, Ontario is making historic investments to build the infrastructure needed to deliver clean, reliable power to the region. Once complete in 2032, Greenstone will provide the capacity needed to unlock 350-700 megawatts of additional hydroelectricity and other power generation. Ontario is building for the future, since Ontario’s Integrated Energy Plan was unveiled, the province has authorized 600 kilometres of transmission lines.

“Through the designation of the Greenstone Transmission Line as a priority project, our government is expediting the construction of this critical 230-kilometre line connecting First Nations and Northern communities to clean power that will reduce reliance on diesel, advance economic reconciliation and unlock the Ring of Fire,” said Greg Rickford, Minister of Indigenous Affairs and First Nations Economic Reconciliation and Minister Responsible for Ring of Fire Economic and Community Partnerships. “As outlined in our Shared Prosperity Agreement with Aroland First Nation, we are working in lockstep with First Nations leadership to power the North, supercharging economic growth and meet electricity demands for generations to come.”

Ontario committed to building the Greenstone Transmission Line as part of the Aroland – Ontario Shared Prosperity Agreement, which includes $70 million to advance work on the new line which will be essential for advancing mining operations in the Ring of Fire. Indigenous communities will also have access to Hydro One’s First Nations Equity Partnership Model which will include First Nation leadership in decision making and 50 per cent ownership of the line. This marks significant advancement of economic reconciliation with Indigenous peoples of Ontario to drive economic growth and build and upgrade infrastructure in Northern Ontario.

Development in the Ring of Fire has the potential to support more than 70,000 jobs across Ontario and generate approximately $22 billion in economic output over 30 years, helping fund schools, hospitals and public services.

Energy For Generations, Ontario’s first Integrated Energy Plan, highlights the importance of advancing new transmission infrastructure across the province to support economic growth for Ontario families and businesses. The plan also highlights Ontario’s commitment to enabling Indigenous leadership and partnership in the development of energy infrastructure in their Treaty and traditional territories, and that new transmission lines present an important opportunity to advance economic reconciliation with Indigenous communities.

Quick Facts

·                This work began in 2023, as Ontario and the IESO launched the Northern Ontario Connection Study to explore connecting the region. Based on that work in 2024, Ontario launched the Reducing Diesel Reliance Initiative, culminating in a commitment to build clean energy transmission and generation in the region.

·                In 2024, 93 per cent of Hydro One’s supply chain was sourced from Canadian companies and procured over $158.3 million on materials from Indigenous communities, the highest spend to date.

·                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 to designate them as the transmitter responsible for the development and construction of the Greenstone Transmission Line and a separate but related OIC to declare the project as a government priority. These actions provide regulatory clarity to Hydro One and the OEB and reduce delays and costs associated with the Leave to Construct approval process.

·                The 230 km single-circuit 230 kV transmission line, designed to support a second circuit, will run from the East-West Tie near Nipigon Bay, connect to a new station near the Longlac Transformer Station, and extend north to terminate at a new Switching Station in or near Aroland First Nation.

·                According to Ontario’s Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO), the province’s demand for electricity is forecast to increase significantly by 2050 driven by economic development from key industries such as mining for critical minerals alongside increasing needs from the expansion of housing and electrification initiatives.

Quotes

"Reliable power is the backbone of economic prosperity in Northern Ontario. This new Greenstone Transmission Line will put thousands of people to work, support key industries like mining, and strengthen northern and Indigenous communities’ growth. By making these investments today, we’re positioning the North for lasting economic opportunities for decades to come."

- George Pirie

Minister of Northern Economic Development and Growth

"The Greenstone Transmission Reinforcement Project will bring much-needed infrastructure improvements to the region. As my community continues to develop, we will benefit from improved electricity reliability and increased capacity to support future growth and economic opportunities. Our partnership with Hydro One will be a meaningful step towards economic reconciliation — helping us create generational wealth while building the electrical infrastructure our community and local economy need to thrive."

- Chief Yvette Metansinine

Animbiigoo Zaagi’igan Anishinaabek

"We are very proud to work with our fellow communities to develop the Greenstone Transmission Line. Our community and the communities we are working with have been plagued by unreliable and inadequate energy resources for our region limiting growth and opportunities. This will create more reliable energy for our membership and eventually to the communities to the North."

- Chief Joseph Gagnon

Aroland First Nation

"Opportunities like investment and oversight in the Greenstone Transmission Line honour the spirit and intent of the Treaty Relationship. It’s heartening to see our communities start to become equal partners. First Nations are looking toward a bright future of more frequent collaboration in our many shared interests. In order for us to exercise our sovereignty, we must have own-source funding for independence. Economic development opportunities are integral to our community’s development, and equity investments are a path forward to resolving our challenges today. There’s still a lot of work to do. This is just one project, and just a start – there’s more to come. We’re willing to do our share of the work."

- Chief Sheri Taylor

Ginoogaming First Nation

"The Municipality of Greenstone welcomes today’s announcement and the province’s continued investment in critical infrastructure across the North. Reliable transmission is essential to our residents’ health and safety, building strong communities, and creating long-term opportunities for workers and businesses in our region. This project also reflects the importance of partnership, with Indigenous communities playing a leadership role and sharing in the benefits. We look forward to working with Ontario, First Nations, and industry to ensure this investment delivers lasting value for Northern Ontario."

- James McPherson

Mayor, Municipality of Greenstone

"Northern Ontario is growing fast, and new transmission infrastructure is critical to providing reliable, affordable and sustainable electricity to the region. Today’s announcement is an important step forward that will support a prosperous future for the region’s municipalities and First Nations communities."

- Lesley Gallinger

President and CEO of IESO

"The Ontario Mining Association welcomes the Greenstone Transmission Line as a critical investment that supports current development and unlocks energy capacity for future mines across the region. By addressing a key barrier to new projects, the line will help create jobs and support long-term community growth. We are pleased Hydro One will build the project, given its strong record of equity partnerships with First Nation communities and its role in reducing reliance on diesel."

- Priya Tandon

President, Ontario Mining Association

"The Ontario Chamber has advocated for prioritizing the Greenstone Transmission Line, recognizing its importance to reliability, resource development, and economic opportunity in the North. We welcome today’s announcement and the commitment to meaningful engagement with First Nations."

- Daniel Tisch

President & CEO, Ontario Chamber of Commerce

"The Greenstone Transmission Line is essential infrastructure that positions Ontario to responsibly advance development opportunities, while ensuring a reliable and resilient electricity system for northern communities and industry. As Ontario’s trusted transmitter, Hydro One brings deep experience and strong Indigenous partnerships to one of the province’s most important northern transmission projects."

- Vince Brescia

President & CEO, Ontario Energy Association

"The Ontario Waterpower Association applauds the government’s decision and leadership in moving this investment forward to further the implementation of the Integrated Energy Plan. We congratulate Hydro One and their First Nations partners and look forward to the construction of this important transmission infrastructure. This project can serve as a catalyst to unlock significant Made in Ontario waterpower while advancing Indigenous economic reconciliation."

- Paul Norris

President, Ontario Waterpower Association

"Reliable and modern energy infrastructure is essential to supporting responsible resource development in Northern Ontario and sustaining long-term mining operations. The Greenstone Transmission Line will expand and strengthen regional power capacity and reliability, supporting continued economic growth. Investments in infrastructure of this nature help ensure that operations such as Equinox Gold’s Greenstone Mine can continue to operate efficiently while contributing to local communities, Indigenous partnerships, and Ontario’s broader economic objectives. We also commend the Government of Ontario’s leadership in advancing innovative partnership models that create meaningful opportunities for Indigenous participation in major infrastructure projects."

- Darren Hall

Chief Executive Officer, Equinox Gold Corp.

"The Economic Developers Council of Ontario (EDCO) welcomes the province’s decision to prioritize the Greenstone Transmission Line. Modern, reliable energy infrastructure is essential to unlocking investment, supporting development in the Ring of Fire, and strengthening northern Ontario’s economy. We are encouraged by the project’s partnership model, which provides meaningful leadership and ownership opportunities for Indigenous communities. This approach supports long term economic growth and advances economic reconciliation in Ontario."

- Stephanie Crilly

Executive Director, EDCO