Hydro One is about to start work on Ostrander Point transmission line

Not content to wait for REA approval of the Ostrander Point project, or even the EBR deadline for public comments, Gilead Power and Hydro One decided this past week to start work immediately on the transmission line to the Milford substation.

The 13-km transmission line, held up by 60- or 80-foot poles, will run along Helmer Road (through wetlands) and up Maypul Layn Road (mature trees to be cut down) to the substation at Johnson Road and County Road 10.  Construction of the line will commence within the next ten days.

Hydro One is a law unto itself, requiring no permissions or permits from the County.  In fact, it has not even notified the County of its plans.

Why now?  It’s anyone’s guess.  Gilead has previously stated that it doesn’t intend to begin construction of turbines until October, 2012 or commence commercial operations until April, 2013.  So why is Hydro One starting construction now? Could it be that “the fix is in”, and the REA approval process is just a sham?  Enquiring minds want to know.