DOLLARD-DES-ORMEAUX – The City of Dollard-des-Ormeaux (DDO) and hundreds of its residents are fighting Hydro-Quebec‘s plan to build new, powerful transmission lines above ground.
The public utility company is proposing to build a new substation, as well as lines with pylons that would tower above the existing ones.
The new transmission lines are needed, according to Hydro-Quebec, to serve growing energy needs throughout the West Island.
The company insists burying the lines would cost far too much and could require more maintenance.
Residents like Jeffery Derevensky – whose backyard faces the existing lines – dispute the claim.
He fears his health and the property value of his home would suffer if new, more powerful transmission lines are built above ground.
“The international trend is to bury lines,” Derevensky told Global News.
He argued the cost would be paid out over decades if built underground, so the financial impact would be minimal.
While Hydro-Quebec’s project has been approved by the energy board, there are still environmental reports and public hearings that need to be done.
The government also has to approve.
Residents vow to continue their fight and said they may picket in front of the office of their MNA, Finance Minister Carlos Leitao.