Bremner Transformer Station and Cable Tunnel PROGRESS OF THE CLASS ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT STUDY

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1 May 19, 2011

2 Community Meeting Metro Toronto Convention Centre North Building, Room 203B May 19 th, 2011, 4:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Please sign in and complete a comment sheet Project team members are available to discuss the project with you Please feel free to ask questions Visit us at

3 Toronto Hydro 100 years of service history One of the largest municipal electricity distribution companies in Canada Over 700,000 customers, population over 2.5 million Peak demand of 5,000 MW( July 2005) Over $2.1 billion in assets Approx. 1,700 employees

4 Background and Context - Toronto Hydro-Electric System The Bremner Transformer Station is proposed to provide electricity service to a significant part of Toronto s downtown core The station will allow Toronto Hydro to replace aging equipment at Windsor Station with a goal of increasing reliability of supply in Toronto's city centre Existing Windsor Transformer Station (Corner of John and Wellington Streets) The project forms part of Toronto Hydro s PowerUp capital program a key investment for reliability of electricity supply Proposed Location at 25 Rees Street The station will be built adjacent to Toronto s landmark Roundhouse building at Bremner Boulevard and Rees Street

5 Class Environmental Assessment (EA) Process Class EA Process This project is following the Class EA for Minor Transmission Facilities, which is approved under the Ontario Environmental Assessment Act The Class EA process is an effective way of ensuring that transmission projects that have a predictable range of effects are planned and constructed in a manner that is environmentally acceptable Why is the station required? A new electricity source is needed to replace obsolete equipment at the existing Windsor Transformer Station Existing customers need to be supplied from a new source first, then the transfer of electricity can proceed The project aims to increase reliability and supply in Toronto s downtown core The purpose of this Public Information Centre is to: Introduce the Bremner Transformer Station and Cable Tunnel Class EA; and Provide the public with the opportunity to review project information and ask questions directly to the project team

6 Project Area Characteristics Why this location? The proposed location is in close proximity to the existing Windsor Transformer Station There are existing underground cables coming from the Windsor Transformer Station that currently supply electricity to this area Once constructed, cables from the proposed Bremner Transformer Station will connect directly to existing underground infrastructure Project Area

7 How will the Bremner Transformer station be supplied with electricity? A cable tunnel link will be constructed between the Bremner Transformer Station and the existing Hydro One cable tunnel at Lower Simcoe and Front Streets Cable tunnel routes and shaft locations will be evaluated as part of this project The new cable tunnel is proposed to be approximately 600 metres in length, and 30 metres below the surface of the road Project Area Characteristics Project Area

8 The project includes: Site preparation; Disassembly of the Machine Shop; Construction of the Bremner Transformer Station; Description of the Proposed Project A new cable tunnel to Lower Simcoe and Front Streets; Site landscaping work; Bremner Transformer Station and Cable Tunnel Installation of electrical equipment; and Transfer of electricity from Windsor Station to the Bremner Transformer Station Increasing reliability to Toronto s downtown core. The station will include space provisions for future growth Interior view of a typical transformer station

9 Environmental Studies The following environmental studies are being completed to identify and reduce negative environmental effects throughout construction and operation: 1. Noise and Vibration Assessment Noise and vibration forecasts are being assessed for the construction and operation of this project. If required, mitigation measures will be employed as per the Ministry of the Environments noise guidelines 2. Human Health Impact Assessment Electromagnetic Field levels are being analyzed to identify exposure amounts and any mitigation measures needed to ensure safe limits 3. Heritage Impact Assessment The machine shop structure adjacent to the Roundhouse will be preserved to uphold its cultural and heritage value 4. Internal Vehicular Operations Toronto Hydro is working with local stakeholders, businesses and the City of Toronto to develop a short and long term strategy for traffic movement on site

10 Description of the Proposed Transformer Station Option 1 Looking North from Rees St. and Lake Shore Blvd. - Before Looking North from Rees St. and Lake Shore Blvd. - After Looking South from Bremner Blvd. and Rees St. - Before Looking South from Bremner Blvd. and Rees St. - After

11 Description of the Proposed Transformer Station Option 2 Looking North from Rees St. and Lake Shore Blvd. - Before Looking South from Bremner Blvd. and Rees St. - Before Looking Northeast from Lake Shore Blvd. and Rees St. - After

12 Next steps in the Class EA process include: Next Steps An Environmental Project Report will be prepared and made available at specified locations for a 30-day public review period Subject to necessary approvals, Toronto Hydro intends to proceed with the planning, design and construction of the Bremner Transformer Station and Cable Tunnel Subject to necessary approvals, the intent is to begin construction in Fall 2011 Please submit and complete a comment sheet or feel free to contact one of the project representatives below. Comments will be incorporated into the project record and used to assist Toronto Hydro in the planning, design and construction of this project. Suzanne R. Yelle, P. Eng., ing Manager, Construction Major Turnkey Projects, Toronto Hydro 14 Carlton Street Toronto, ON M5B 1K5 Phone: syelle@torontohydro.com Andreas Houlios, B.E.S. Hons. Environmental Planner IBI Group Suite 200, East Wing 360 James Street North Hamilton, ON L8L 1H5 Phone: ext andreas.houlios@ibigroup.com Pam Foster, M. Pl., MCIP, RPP Senior Planner Planning & Environmental Design MMM Group Limited 100 Commerce Valley Drive West Thornhill, ON M5B 1K5 Phone: ext fosterp@mmm.ca