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.
May 15, 2025
From May 15 to July 18, 2025
Project schedule
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2024-2026
Draft design phase: Technical studies, environmental assessment, public consultation
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2026-2028
Government permitting
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2028-2031
Construction
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2031
Commissioning
A first open house in Ahuntsic–Cartierville
On June 4, Hydro‑Québec held a first open house at the Centre d’appui aux communautés immigrantes located at 12 049 Boulevard Laurentien in Montréal. The event attracted ten or so residents from the Ahuntsic‑Cartierville and Saint‑Laurent boroughs.
Between 4 and 8 p.m., they had the opportunity to meet Hydro‑Québec experts who answered their questions. A project presentation was held at 6 p.m. The invitation was sent to residents living near the sites of the proposed transmission line and substation.
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.
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
The essential role of electrical substations
What is a substation?
Explore an electrical substation. See the vital role it plays in transmitting and distributing power from the generating station to the home.
Running time: 4 minutes 41 seconds [in French only]
FAQ
The existing 120-kilovolt (kV) Reed substation is operating at full capacity and will soon reach the end of its service life. It must be rebuilt to improve service quality and to increase the reliability and resilience of the grid in response to the increasingly intense weather events brought about by climate changes.
The 120‑kV line connecting Saraguay substation and the existing Reed substation must also be replaced. A new 315‑kV line will be built between these substations.
Located on Rue Keller in the Saint-Laurent borough, the current station is too small to accommodate the new electrical equipment. In addition, at the borough’s request, the site of the existing substation will be integrated into a public transit development when the Réseau express métropolitain (REM) is commissioned. The new substation will therefore be built at a different location, on Rue Duchesne, at a distance from Saraguay substation that meets Hydro‑Québec’s requirements.
Hydro‑Québec plans to build the new line north of the REM route, near the 120‑kV line that currently runs between Saraguay and Reed substations. This line route has the advantage of being located in an existing corridor and right-of-way, minimizing the impacts on the environment and local communities.
The project is in the presentation and consultation phase. We are currently gathering data to gain a better understanding of the natural and human environments and will eventually share an optimized project plan. The next phase is the government approvals process. Construction is expected to begin in 2028.
Hydro‑Québec plans to build the new line in the current right‑of‑way. Some trees may have to be cut, but Hydro-Québec will install towers that are taller than the trees to minimize clearing.
Hydro-Québec considered building the line south of the REM tracks, but the option wasn’t selected due to its more significant impact on the area. It would have required relocating residents and businesses and demolishing buildings. The route north of the REM tracks allows Hydro-Québec to use its current energy corridor.
To reduce the visual impact of the new line, the towers will be built as far as possible from residences. Visibility analyses will be conducted. If you have any concerns, get in touch with us. The contact information is at the bottom of the page.
The public health authorities of Canada and Québec agree that the electric and magnetic fields we are exposed to daily do not pose a health risk. For more information, go to www.hydroquebec.com/fields/.
Studies show that there is no risk. For more information, go to www.hydroquebec.com/champs/exposure/.
Let’s stay in touch!
We’re committed to keeping the lines of communication open. Please send us your questions and comments about the project.
Info-Project line: 1 866 388‑1978
Info-project
Upgrading the power transmission system between Saraguay and Reed substations (In French only)
Stay informed on the stages of the project and the progress of work.
![See the location of the substations [JPG 358 MB - In French only]](/data/projets/reed-saraguay/img/emplacements-poste-projete-et-actuel.jpg){kind=link}
![See the location of the planned line [JPG 307 MB - In French only]](/data/projets/reed-saraguay/img/emplacement-ligne-projetee.jpg){kind=link}
![See the typical right-of-way and tower [JPG 121 KB - In French only]](/data/projets/reed-saraguay/img/visualisation-projetee-de-la-ligne.jpg){kind=link}