Construction of new 735-kilovolt power line gets green light

MONTREAL – Premier Philippe Couillard says Quebecers will welcome the construction of a new 400-kilometre Hydro-Quebec transmission
line even though there’s still some opposition to the project.

The new 735-kilovolt power line will go from the Lac-Saint-Jean region, about 200 kilometres north of Quebec City, to Montreal.

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Couillard told a news conference this afternoon Quebecers will be happy to see construction of the $1.4-billion line go head over the
next 18 months.

He was joined at the announcement by Hydro-Quebec CEO Thierry Vandal and Energy and Natural Resources Minister Pierre Arcand.

Couillard called it the most important Hydro transmission project in 20 years, saying it would create jobs in several regions and
ensure better stability of the network.

The high-tension line has faced opposition from a citizens group as well as a number of municipalities, environmental groups and
farmers.