Hochelaga substation and underground transmission lines

Start of construction

Construction of the new Hochelaga substation and underground transmission lines is in progress in the Mercier–Hochelaga‑Maisonneuve borough. Depending on the specific areas and construction phases, these activities may cause temporary disruptions, increased machinery traffic, as well as noise and dust during construction hours, primarily during the day on weekdays. Hydro‑Québec is implementing measures to minimize impacts on the surrounding area.

No service interruptions are expected during the work.

Information regarding the work schedule, affected areas and mitigation measures will be provided and updated regularly on this page.

Description of the work

Work related to underground transmission lines

  • Rue Beauclerk between Rue Gamelin and Avenue Pierre-de-Coubertin, beginning May 4, 2026:
    • Work on the east side of the street involving excavation in front of some driveways.
    • Uninterrupted pedestrian access to residences at all times.
    • Street closed. Local traffic only.
    • Parking entrances closed during the work. Parking in private entrances not possible during this period.
    • Temporary closure of the Circuit électrique charging stations on Rue Gamelin.
  • Rue Beauclerk between Avenue Pierre-de-Coubertin and Rue de Marseille, beginning June, 2026 (approximately):
    • Work on the east side of the street involving excavation in front of some driveways.
    • Street closed. Local traffic only.
    • No parking along the work area.
  • Rue Beauclerk at the intersection of Avenue Pierre-de-Coubertin and Rue de Marseille, beginning May, 2026:
    • Avenue Pierre‑de‑Coubertin closed to vehicle traffic at the intersection of Rue Beauclerk. The detours will be clearly indicated.
    • Avenue Pierre‑de‑Coubertin bike path: Cyclists must walk their bikes at the intersection of Rue Beauclerk. Pedestrian access maintained.
    • Rue de Marseille bike path: Eastbound lane closed. Cyclists will share the road with vehicles.
  • Rue Ontario and avenue Emile‑Legrand between Rue Lyall and Rue Lafontaine, beginning May 4:
    • Work on the west side of Avenue Émile‑Legrand involving excavation in front of some driveways.
    • Uninterrupted pedestrian access to residences at all times.
    • Streets closed. Local traffic only.
    • Parking entrances closed during the work. Parking in private entrances not possible during this period.
    • STM route 33 bus service maintained.
  • Rue de Marseille between Avenue Haig and Rue Beauclerk, beginning June 2026 (approximately):
    • No parking in the work area.
    • Temporary closure of the bike path on Rue de Marseille between Avenue Haig and Rue Beauclerk. Detour via Avenue Pierre‑de‑Coubertin.
    • Road closed to vehicle traffic at the intersections of Rue de Marseille and Rue Lyall as well as Rue de Marseille and Avenue Émile‑Legrand. One‑way traffic on Rue Lyall and Avenue Émile‑Legrand will temporarily become two-way traffic.
  • Rue Beauclerk between Rue Ontario and Rue Lafontaine, June 8 to July 2, 2026 (approximately):
    • Work coordinated with the borough as part of municipal sewer rehabilitation work.
  • Rue Hochelaga from Rue Lyall to Pavillon Fernand‑Seguin, June 8 to June 19, 2026 (approximately):
    • Reduced traffic lanes and closure of the right eastbound lane.
    • Uninterrupted access to properties.
    • Relocation of STM bus stop Hochelaga/Beauclerk (53329).

Work related to the substation

  • Hydro-Québec site at the intersection of Rue Hochelaga, Boulevard de l’Assomption and Avenue Pierre‑de‑Coubertin:
    • Construction of the control building and development of the outdoor yard starting in June 2026.
    • Two site access points (Rue Hochelaga and Avenue Pierre‑de‑Coubertin) with occasional truck traffic.
    • The main impact will be a dedicated lane for site access on Rue Hochelaga with minimal disruption to road users.

Project overview


Over the past few years, Mercier‑Hochelaga Maisonneuve has been experiencing rapid growth.

Given this context, Hydro‑Québec upgrades the power grid to meet current and future customer needs. To counter the obsolescence of the transmission system and meet the growing electricity demand on the island of Montréal, Hydro Québec is gradually replacing its 120 kilovolt (kV) facilities with new, higher capacity, 315 kV equipment.

To support the borough’s long term residential, commercial and industrial development, Hydro‑Québec builds a 315/25 kV transformer substation and installs underground transmission lines. The substation’s proposed site is at the corner of Boulevard de L’Assomption and Rue Hochelaga, while the two underground lines that are to supply the new facility will run for some 5 km between it and the existing Notre Dame substation.

These upgrades will increase transmission system capacity and improve its flexibility and reliability.

All the documents related to the project’s environmental impact assessment can be viewed on the website of the Ministère de l’Environnement, de la Lutte contre les changements climatiques, de la Faune et des Parcs [in French only] .

The investigation and mediation report by the Bureau d’audiences publiques sur l’environnement (BAPE) on the mandate carried out from May 19 to July 19 is also available to the public. Investigation and mediation report [in French only] .

Hydro‑Québec is committed to engaging with stakeholders throughout the project.

Documents

Project schedule

  • Pre-consultation and presentation of the project
    Winter 2017 – Fall 2018
  • Project consultations
    Winter 2019 – Fall 2022
  • Chosen solution and mitigation measures
    Spring – Fall 2023
  • Tabling of the Environmental Impact Statement
    Fall 2024
  • Government approvals
    2024–2025
  • Construction phase
    2026–2029
  • Commissioning of substation and lines
    2029