Montréal Upgrading the Power Transmission System Saraguay and Reed Substations

The existing Reed substation, commissioned in 1958, supplies close to 44,000 customers in the boroughs of Ahuntsic‑Cartierville and Saint‑Laurent. It is operating at full capacity and will soon reach the end of its useful life. Both the substation and the supply line that connects it to Saraguay substation must be rebuilt.

Project description

Why?

Upgrade the transmission system and replace equipment nearing the end of its service life.
Increase transmission capacity and improve service quality.
Improve grid reliability and resilience as weather events become increasingly intense.

How ?

The new 315/25-kV Reed substation will be built near the existing 120/25-kV substation: view the locations of the future substation and the current substation. The new substation's location meets the criteria of both the borough of Saint-Laurent and Hydro-Québec.
See the location of the substations [JPG 358 MB - In French only]
The current 120-kV line will be replaced by a new 315-kV line that will run between the 315/25-kV Saraguay substation and the new Reed substation: view the location of the future line.
See the location of the planned line [JPG 307 MB - In French only]
The proposed route runs through the same servitude as the current line, which will help minimize the impacts on natural and built environments. Tower height has also been increased to reduce the line's footprint.
See the typical right-of-way and tower [JPG 121 KB - In French only]

Studies underway

In the coming months, an analysis of the study area and discussions with the stakeholders concerned will enable us to design the project with the fewest social, environmental and economic impacts.

Work impacts and mitigation measures

Hydro‑Québec will work with the community to establish measures to limit the project’s impacts. Information will be sent out during the key phases of the project.

Billboard

Find all upcoming events regarding the project.

From May 15 to July 18, 2025

June 4, 2025

May 15, 2025

Project schedule

2024-2026

Draft design phase: Technical studies, environmental assessment, public consultation
2026-2028

Government permitting
2028-2031

Construction
2031

Commissioning

Project study area

Hydro‑Québec has defined a preliminary study area within which it will determine the new substation’s location and the supply line.

The study area includes all biophysical and human elements that are likely to be affected by the project. This area covers a total of 5.47 km² within the area bordered to the west by Autoroute Chomedey (Autoroute 13), to the east by Boulevard Marcel‑Laurin (Route 117), to the south by Boulevard Henri‑Bourassa Ouest and to the north by Rivière des Prairies, Boulevard Gouin Ouest and Rue Laurin.

Download the map of the study area [PDF 378 kB]

Support of a local initiative

Hydro‑Québec will support a local initiative as part of its Integrated Enhancement Program (IEP) to improve the community’s quality of life and environment.

Learn more about the IEP