The Quebec government has approved Hydro-Quebec‘s plan to build new, powerful transmission lines above ground in Dollard-des-Ormeaux (DDO).
READ MORE: DDO residents adding pressure to change Hydro-Quebec power line project
The public utility company had proposed to build a new substation, as well as lines with pylons that would tower above the existing ones.
The current Saint-Jean station will be converted from 120 to 315 kilovolts (kV).
READ MORE: DDO residents fight Hydro-Quebec plan to build more transmission lines
The power lines will go along de Salaberry, between Saint-Jean and Sources boulevards.
A new three-km line 315 kV will also be built next to an existing 120 kV line, reaching heights of 52 metres – dwarfing the already existing ones.
WATCH BELOW: DDO power line information session
The West Island of Montreal Chamber of Commerce (WIMCC) welcomed the decision.
READ MORE: Information session takes place on Hydro-Quebec’s controversial DDO transmission line
“It represents an investment in the economic development of our territory,” said Joseph Huza, president and executive director of the WIMCC, in a press release.
“This project will fill the need for future growth as companies continue to choose the West Island to set up their operations.”
In the past, Hydro-Quebec representatives have insisted the power lines are necessary to meet the West Island’s increasing demand for electricity.
WATCH BELOW: DDO residents oppose Hydro line
Quebec’s environmental board, BAPE, has already approved the project.
READ MORE: DDO residents fight Hydro-Quebec plan to build more transmission lines
The company insists burying the lines would cost far too much and could require more maintenance.
The project is estimated to cost $90 million.