Ontario Focused on Economy by Approving New Toronto Transmission Line

January 7, 2026

Ontario has approved a first-of-its-kind high-voltage underwater electricity transmission line to deliver up to 900 MW of clean, reliable power into the downtown core and eastern portion of the City of Toronto, securing electricity needed to fuel housing, transit, and economic growth.

Toronto represents approximately 20 per cent of Ontario’s peak electricity demand, and after 20 years of flat growth, peak demand is expected to roughly double by 2050, making new transmission infrastructure essential.

The third transmission line will enable electricity for at least 285,000 new homes under Toronto’s 10-year housing target, including new communities at Downsview, the Port Lands, East Harbour, and Golden Mile, while supporting major transit expansions such as GO Transit electrification and the Ontario Line.

The new line will deliver power equivalent to three small modular reactors, providing enough electricity to power up to 900,000 homes, while alleviating strain on the bulk power system and helping avoid an estimated $100–$300 million in costly bulk system reinforcements elsewhere in the GTA.

For the first time, Ontario is launching an IESO-led competitive transmission procurement, driving value for ratepayers, accelerating construction, creating good-paying jobs, and opening the door to Indigenous participation.

Under the leadership of Premier Ford, Ontario is planning ahead — building critical infrastructure, unlocking housing and transit projects, protecting jobs, and delivering clean, reliable and affordable electricity for generations to come.