The creation of a new transmission line into Sault Ste. Marie has some residents upset due to a proposed route the line would take.
Hydro One's North Shore Line could be built through the Hiawatha Highlands, a popular four-season nature area in the region.
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Outdoor enthusiasts say that one of the Sault’s premiere outdoor tourism destinations and recreational areas could be disrupted if the new transmission line cuts through it.
An environmental assessment is underway for a 230-kilovolt line from the Mississagi transformer station to the Third Line transformer station.
Among the proposed routes is segment 3B which would cut through the highlands.
More information on the proposed routes, including an interactive map, can be found on Hydro One’s website.
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Area residents told CTV News that schools use the area for their cross-country programs and many skiers, hikers and bikers use trails in that area.
“It would just be it would be devastating to a lot of people,” said one resident.
“This is very precious territory. It's sacred. It's like a cathedral. It's sacred ground and it needs to be protected,” added another.
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Members of the region’s cycling, skiing and hiking communities have all said they will be on hand and vocal when Hydro One hosts a series of open houses next week.
"The city's spent, you know, close to $3 million on trail development in the last few years,” said Jack Perrotta-Lewin, president of the Sault Cycling Club.
“Losing any, of the trail system, like, altering the trail system in any way is going to have a huge, huge impact.”
No decisions made yet
Officials with Hydro One told CTV News that there is no pre-determined route and public feedback received will help it choose from the 14 options.
"We take into consideration things such as the natural environment, the socio-economic factors, Indigenous values as well as giving consideration to technical and cost elements,” said Sonny Karunakaran, the company’s vice president of strategic projects and partnerships.
Support from the city
On Monday, Sault Ste. Marie’s city council voted unanimously to express their preference for Route 3C to Hydro One, following a last-minute motion by Ward 5 Councillor Matthew Scott and Angela Caputo the councillor for Ward 3.
Mayor Matthew Shoemaker said the decision would be immediately communicated to Hydro One – however, the decision reflected only the city's preference and Hydro One must still consult with First Nations in the region and complete other surveys.
Open houses begin Tuesday
The first of three open houses for the North Shore Line project with be held from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Sept. 17 at the Fairfield Inn on Great Northern Avenue. That event will be followed by another at the Searchmont Community Center on Wednesday from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. and finally, the last open house will be held at Elks Lodge in Echo Bay on Thursday from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.
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Hydro One officials said the preferred route should be identified in the latter part of next year.
