Kingsville to request IESO share all growth data used to ID need to increase electrical supply

by Sylene Argent, Local Journalism Initiative

The Town of Kingsville supported Deputy Mayor Kim DeYong in sending a letter to the Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO), requesting it share with the Town any and all data regarding growth used to identify the need to increase supply capacity in Kingsville.

  The decision was made at the August 17 meeting of Kingsville Council.

  This has to do with Hydro One undertaking the Energize Essex County Project with an aim to increase electricity supply capacity by 2032. Information Hydro One shared about the project – online and at an open house on July 23 – notes the utility is looking to add two new transformer stations that will be supplied by a new 230KV double-circuit transmission line from Lakeshore Transformer Station (TS).

  Town administration was also directed to have discussions with Hydro One and/or the IESO about provisions of community benefits to compensate the community for any negative impacts arising from the transfer stations.

  Kingsville’s Administration will also request that Hydro One introduce, study, and fairly compare at least one materially distinct alternative corridor that avoids the Road 8 East section, before a preferred route is selected, and publicize the category scoring.

  Administration will also consider if Development Charges need updating to ensure there is adequate funding for Town services and infrastructure needed to support the anticipated growth.

  DeYong said she attended a public open house last month on the project, which was held in Cottam.

  "Not surprisingly, it was filled with a bunch of anxious and upset – mostly – farmers," DeYong said.

  She said the Town has actually lobbied for improved and increased reliable Hydro capacity. Having increased capacity coming to the community is not necessarily a bad thing. She said more reliable service is wanted if the Town wants to be able to service any growth. 

  Being at that meeting, however, she noticed that those two transfer stations are in close proximity to each other and they're both located in Kingsville's rural area. In addition, the path is over traditional farming lands. 

  Potentially impacted farmers were expressing concerns regarding the value of their property, the changing character of their property, and the health of their children playing under the towers, she relayed. 

  Likely, DeYong said the IESO will move forward with the plan, whether it is liked or not. 

  "But we can at least advocate on behalf of our residents and collect data to help us prepare," she said. 

  Residents Kyle and Stephanie Palmer expressed concern about the possible impacts of the Hydro One Energize Essex County project. Kyle explained his father owns a century farm, and he and his wife own a lot on Road 8 East. 

  They told members of Kingsville Council they finished building their home in 2024, choosing the property for their family for its mature trees, open views, privacy, hunting, wildlife, and quiet and rural character. 

  The proposed corridor for the Energize Essex County project, Kyle said they learned recently, plans to cut their field directly in half and will have 200-ft towers and a full transmission corridor. 

  They encouraged Kingsville Council to support DeYong's motion to seek IESO growth data behind this project and to open discussion with Hydro One community benefits. 

  They wanted another clause added to the motion, requesting Hydro One to introduce, study, and fairly compare at least one materially distinct alternative route that avoids the Road 8 East section before its preferred route is selected. 

  Currently, Hydro One is in the Class Environmental Assessment Phase, which is early in the project, Stephanie noted. 

  "That is when change can happen," she added.

  They're also requesting publication of the category-by-category scoring for every alternative Hydro One evaluates, and that it be carried into any technical advisory committee, municipal working group, or community benefits discussion, and have administration report back. 

  Kyle relayed Hydro One has published two route alternatives, both on Road Eight East and converging on the same corridor. 

  What is most alarming to them is that their home falls into a section that isn't provided an alternate route. 

  Stephanie added they understand the Town of Kingsville does not decide whether a provincially regulated transmission project proceeds, but during the Class Environmental Assessment phase, routes are still being evaluated, and municipal input is part of that process. 

  "The weight of the Town's voice is much heavier than any individual landowner, even as a group," Stephanie said.

  Kyle added they are asking for the municipality to speak about finding a true alternative. 

  They also noted that homes on Road 8 East have no municipal water, depending on groundwater. They have concerns about protecting their water quality, as well. 

  DeYong noted her motion had already been amended to include what they were asking for. 

In speaking to concerns heard about well drinking water, Shaun Martinho, Director of Public Operations, could not speak to them. He has never had these types of concerns come to him before.

  CAO John Norton noted the Town would advocate that the IESO and Hydro One complete studies and show there are no impacts. He understood it was controversial.

  Norton will also follow up with Hydro One as to whether it will have a rep attend a Kingsville Council meeting to answer questions about the project. Mayor Dennis Rogers said he had asked for that in the past, was told that would happen, and would like to hold them to it.  

  For more information about the Energize Essex County project, log onto: www.hydroone.com/about/corporate-information/major-projects/energize-essex-county