By Sylene Argent, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Essex Free Press
Administration for the County of Essex has been directed to prepare a letter and submit it to the Environmental Registry of Ontario (ERO) in support of the Windsor to Lakeshore Transmission Project.
The ERO has requested feedback on the proposed Windsor to Lakeshore Transmission Project; a double-circuit 230-kilovolt transmission line from Lauzon Transformer Station (TS) in Windsor to Lakeshore TS in Lakeshore, and associated station facilities.
County CAO Sandra Zwiers spoke of the Longwood Project, which is providing a transmission corridor from Chatham into Lakeshore.
“This is the next phase of the development that takes that power source and moves it right across the northern-stretch of Essex County into the City of Windsor,” Zwiers explained. “Based on our experience in the Longwood to Lakeshore Transmission Line – and the Warden [Hilda MacDonald] and I have had a number of dedicated meetings with the Ministry and with Hydro One on this project – we are excited to continue that collaboration, consultation with the Ministry on this next important length of the transmission project.”
She sought County Council’s permission during the July 16 meeting to provide the letter of support to the ERO.
“Administratively, we believe this is a really important continuation of work that is already being done in the region, but we will continue to unlock economic and growth potential and address some consistency and resiliency issues that we already see facing our hydro structure in the region,” Zwiers added.
Key benefits of the project she outlined included providing reliable power for residents and businesses, support for economic growth and agri-business, sustainability and climate leadership, improved quality of life, infrastructure readiness for the future, and stronger rural and agriculture resilience.
“We would be formulating those benefits – and any other County Council wishes to add this evening – to a letter of support.”
Considering this transmission project will pass through Lakeshore and Tecumseh, Zwiers said she did reach out to the CAOs of both of the municipalities. Feedback received was that the County’s letter of support also included a reminder to continue that dedicated collaboration and consultation with these two communities, in addition to the County of Essex.
“It is important that those lines [of communication] remain clear and open, considering their residents would be primarily most-affected as this project unfolds and gets things constructed. We are certainly willing to do that as well,” Zwiers added.
She also received correspondence from the Western Ontario Wardens’ Caucus, Kate Burns-Gallagher, who expressed support on behalf of her organization for any letter the County may submit to the ERO.
Tecumseh Council is in full support Mayor Gary McNamara said.
“The region is in dire need, and if we are to expand our ability to attract new investment into the region – and even for our own sustainability in terms of housing and also to deal with climate change – it is very important for us to move forward.”
Lakeshore Mayor Tracey Bailey thanked Zwiers for her leadership on the project and connection with the communities most impacted. She was happy to support the motion.
There is no cost to the County of Essex to support this project.
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