The Bruce to Milton transmission line project that many Local 793 operators worked on is now up and running.
Hydro One completed the expansion project six months ahead of schedule. Up to 500 workers were employed on the project during peak construction periods.
Operating engineers cleared the way for access roads, helped install footings, and worked on the assembly and erection of towers.
The 180-kilometre-long, double-circuit, 500-kilovolt line is the largest transmission infrastructure project in Ontario in 20 years. More than 700 transmission towers were erected.
The line connects more than 3,000 megawatts of electricity from the Bruce Power complex in Kincardine to a switching station in Milton.
Work on the project started in 2010. It was originally expected to be in service by December 2012, but the project was finished early.
Energy Minister Chris Bentley said completion of the project is an important event for the province.
“Today marks a major milestone in Ontario’s electricity infrastructure and we are paving the way for a future that offers new technologies while delivering clean, renewable power for growing communities and generations to come,” he said.
Hydro One CEO Laura Formusa said construction of the transmission line was made possible because of co-operation by various parties.
“The project was made possible through a shared commitment from the residents, businesses, municipalities, conservation groups and First Nations and Métis groups along the corridor.”