COMING SOON TO THE COUNTRYSIDE NEAR YOU
HYDRO QUEBEC, IT'S TIME TO SET A HIGHER STANDARD: DON'T DECIMATE, INNOVATE!
The project:
Hydro Quebec is proposing to build a 250m x 250m transformer station at the corner of Chemin Mansville and Chemin Riddell just north of Sutton Junction in the heart of the Sutton Valley.
Did you know?
Hydro Québec is planning a massive, industrial-scale infrastructure project in the heart of the Sutton Valley.
The project would be located in an agricultural zone, and would endanger an important wetland that is part of the headwaters of Lac Davignon, which is the potable water source for Cowansville.
The transformer station would cover 250m X 250m (equal to 12 football fields) located on the Route des Vins, and would desecrate one of the finest pastoral settings in the Eastern Townships.
The new high-tension power lines would be supported by 45m high metal pylons (the height of a 12-storey building) and would require cutting 2,500,000 sq, ft. (or nearly 16 acres) of unspoiled forest (a clearcut 50-60m wide and 4km long) through important wildlife corridors and sensitive habitats.
The project would scar one of the most iconic historic villages of the Townships and the picture postcard landscapes surrounding West Brome with transmission towers and high-tension lines.
While the project is much needed, the upgrade would not resolve the vast majority of blackouts in the region that are caused by poor maintenance of the 25kV local distribution lines.
Media
13th December, 2024
Radio Canada
Un projet d’Hydro-Québec inquiète des citoyens de Lac-Brome et de Sutton.
Listen or Read more here.
29th January, 2025
CBC Radio
Townships residents fear new Hydro-Québec project will tarnish region's rural charm.
Listen or Read more here.
5th February, 2025
Youtube
Mayor Benoit's statement on Consensus of the regions mayor's favouring alternative sites and corridors at sand pit (route 104 & 139)
Listen or Read more here.
12
Football fields (size of substation)
30,000
Trees deforested
(transmission line corridor)
65
Acres decimated
45m
Height of pylons
(~12 storey-building)
Estimated impact
Our
Objectives
Let’s work together to build a strong network that will last for 100 years, but let’s do it in a way that is sustainable, smartly designed, that’s respectful of the environment & rural beauty of our region, and which protects the unique cultural and touristic qualities that, after all, drive our local economies.
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There are more suitable locations for the substation and the transmission corridor.
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We agree it is long overdue for an upgrade of the hydro network serving Lac Brome and Sutton and want a solution that is appropriate for the region.
We expect a higher standard of performance from Quebec’s most important public corporation.
Let’s set a model for Hydro Québec’s infrastructure upgrades that prioritizes social, cultural and environmental factors as much as technical and financial considerations!
UPCOMING EVENTS
Citizen-Organized Information Sessions
Dates​
February 7th at 11AM
February 9th at 1PM​
Location
Auberge West Brome
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PLEASE RSVP via email: AskMoreFromHQ@gmail.com
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Stay tuned for more events.​