Hydro One and Hydro Ottawa are planning extensive infrastructure upgrades to support the power requirements of the proposed TransCanada Energy East pipeline, including safety valve stations which will be located all along the pipeline route, and 20 megawatts for a pumping station near Richmond.
TransCanada’s proposed pipeline would run just west of Stittsville and Richmond, Ontario, converting an existing natural gas pipeline to carry oil. TransCanada’s pipeline plans are being reviewed by the National Energy Board. At the municipal level, the City of Ottawa has established a cross-functional working group that is reviewing the application and meeting with TransCanada officials to discuss issues such as emergency management planning, and how the company will mitigate the pipeline’s impact on sensitive environmental areas.