Hydro-Québec power lines will go underground in Hereford but not in Dollard

The push to convince Hydro-Québec to sink three kilometres of high-tension wires in Dollarddes-Ormeaux is not over despite the fact the above-ground version of the project has been given the green light by the Quebec government. In fact, the grassroots group Build It Underground DDO has kicked into high gear following Hydro-Québec’s announcement last month that it had changed its mind concerning another project and would be requesting government permission to sink 18 kilometres of power lines originally slated for an above-ground installation through the Hereford forest in the Eastern Townships. The 18 kilometres of power lines are part of the Northern Pass transmission line project which will export power to New England. Over the last 11 years, exporting power has generated more than $7 billion in profits for Hydro-Québec. “(Hydro-Québec) is prepared to sink power lines in a forest, but is not willing to sink lines in a densely-populated area,” BIUDDO member Lynette Gilbeau said. “It’s very distressing. We want all municipalities to be treated equally.” Gilbeau said there was fierce opposition to the above-ground installation in the Eastern Townships because it would mar the natural beauty in the region. She said BIUDDO acknowledges something needs to be done to address the increasing power demands in the West Island, but the group is concerned the above-ground wires would also mar the esthetic of the neighbourhood, could negatively affect property values and even pose a possible health risk. Dollard Mayor Alex Bottausci said he has contacted Quebec Municipal Affairs Minister Martin Coiteux, who is also the MNA for the Nelligan riding. “I want to understand the file from the (Quebec) government’s perspective,” Bottausci said. “Have its policies changed when it comes to the (Northern Pass) file? I would like to see equitable treatment given all the citizens of Quebec. I need clarity from the minister’s office.” The proposed project involves the expansion of the St-Jean substation and the upgrading of power lines along the Hydro- Québec servitude which runs parallel to De Salaberry Blvd. between St-Jean and Sources boulevards. The upgrade would increase the voltage from 120 kilovolts to 315 kV and the pylons supporting the power lines could be as high as 52 metres. “I firmly believe (above-ground installation) is wrong on every level,” Dollard councillor and BIUDDO member Morris Vesely said. The project is slated for his district. Hydro-Québec spokesman Jean-Philippe Rousseau said there have already been meetings of a liaison committee established by the government. The committee is comprised of representatives from Hydro-Québec and from Dollard, including a recently added BIUDDO member. Hydro-Québec estimates that three kilometres of above-ground lines in Dollard would cost $14 million and that the underground option would cost $59 million. The 18 kilometres of underground lines in the forest would cost an estimated $60 million. Rousseau said the cost discrepancy is because different cables are used in each project. The two “alternative current” cables required in Dollard are more costly than the single “direct current” cable in the Hereford forest. “Even if they are using two different types of cable, how is it possible that one kilometre of cable in Dollard could cost $20 million,” Gilbeau said of the three kilometre/$59 million estimate for underground power lines. “We’re asking the government to reconsider and to treat all its citizens with equity.”