Ontario Reaches New Milestone on Northwest GTA Transmission Line
October 10, 2025
Province proposing to release lands that are no longer needed to build the transmission corridor alongside Highway 413
PEEL REGION – As part of its plan to protect Ontario and support the energy needs of growing communities, the government has reached a key milestone in the Northwest GTA Transmission Corridor Identification Study. The province is proposing to reduce the boundaries of the transmission corridor and release lands that are no longer required for protection, reducing the lands held for the transmission and highway corridors by approximately 40 per cent. The transmission corridor will host major infrastructure projects that will support Energy for Generations, the government’s long-term plan to deliver reliable, affordable and secure energy to create good-paying jobs and power Ontario’s future.
“As Ontario’s population and economy continue to grow in the GTHA, we are planning ahead and building for future generations,” said Stephen Lecce, Minister of Energy and Mines. “This milestone reflects our government’s commitment to deliver reliable, cost-effective energy infrastructure that meets growing energy demand, while keeping energy affordable for families.”
Halton, Peel and York are among the fastest-growing regions in Ontario, with electricity demand far exceeding the provincial average. As communities expand further from existing transmission infrastructure, the Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO) has confirmed the need for new transmission capacity to bring electricity into and throughout Northwestern GTA.
“Our government is fighting gridlock and unlocking Ontario’s full economic potential by building Highway 413, which will provide much-needed relief along one of the busiest highway corridors in North America as part of our $30-billion plan to expand transportation infrastructure across the province,” said Prabmeet Sarkaria, Minister of Transportation. “Aligning the Northwest GTA Transmission Corridor with Highway 413 means we’re keeping Ontarians moving while meeting electricity demand for generations to come.”
The proposed corridor along Highway 413 is based on a study launched in 2019 to identify a viable route for future transmission infrastructure. The refined corridor reflects detailed technical analysis to identify the narrowest path capable of supporting both 230 kV and 500 kV transmission lines, while preserving flexibility for future transmission designs. The study prioritized co-location with Highway 413, minimizing impacts on natural areas, and avoiding built-up communities.
Throughout the process, municipalities, stakeholders and Indigenous communities have been engaged at key milestones to inform and shape the proposal. The proposal and updated maps are now available for public comment on the Environmental Registry of Ontario. The Ministry of Energy and Mines and the Ministry of Transportation are expected to announce their finalized land use plans and release surplus lands in December 2025.
“This milestone creates the conditions for more homes to be built by making it easier for communities to grow,” said Rob Flack, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing. “Working across government, we are bringing the dream of homeownership within reach for more hardworking families in Halton, Peel, and York Region.”
Backed by record investments in energy infrastructure, Ontario’s integrated approach is giving Indigenous communities, municipalities, businesses and industry partners the confidence to invest, grow and build here in Ontario. With a clear path forward, the plan is not only meeting the demands of today, but it is also protecting jobs, supporting workers and powering economic growth for generations to come.
Quick Facts
- Proposed revisions to the Study’s NAI will have no direct environmental impacts in respect of the lands within the NAI.
- Lands within the NAI remain protected under the Provincial Planning Statement, 2024, which restricts development that could compromise future infrastructure use.
- Some lands within the NAI overlap with the corridor being planned by the Ministry of Transportation (MTO) for Highway 413 and the Focused Analysis Area (FAA).
- Concurrently with this consultation, MTO is preparing to finalize the route alignment and will designate lands under the Public Transportation and Highway Improvement Act.
Additional Resources
Energy for Generations: Ontario’s Integrated Plan to Power the Strongest Economy in the G7
Media Contacts
Isha Chaudhuri
Minister Lecce’s Office
isha.chaudhuri@ontario.ca
Robert Quartarone
Communications Branch
robert.quartarone@ontario.ca
NT4
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