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Twinning of hydro lines may impact dozens of landowners LISA TALLYN Staff Writer Several Halton Hills property owners whose land is adjacent to the existing hydro transmission line that runs from the Bruce Power Complex to Milton could be impacted if a proposed twinning of the line goes forward. A report by Peter Crockett, Commissioner of Planning and Public Works with Halton Region says Ontario Power Authority (OPA) has identified a need for a new 500 kV line, and based on analysis so far, the only viable option would be to twin the line that runs through Halton Hills between the Fourth and Fifth Lines. OPA has not yet made a decision on the project, but OPA spokesperson Tim Taylor said one is expected "shortly." Crockett said 63 properties in Halton Hills and three in Milton could be impacted. If the project goes ahead, Crockett said, it would involve the construction by Hydro One of a new, approximately 180 km $635 million line beside the existing line and would require widening the hydro corridor by about 175 to 200 ft, east of the existing line. In the Planning and Public Works Committee report Crockett said Hydro One would acquire the land required mostly through easement agreements with the landowners, and due to the urgent need for the line it would be seeking Ontario Energy Board approval to acquire the land through expropriation. In cases where a property owner's home or major operational building is in the widened corridor area Hydro One would usually buy out the entire property, said Crockett. To Bee or not to Bee This year's The Grate Groan-Up Spelling Bee, organized by Literacy North Halton, will be held Thursday, May 3, at Halton Hills Place, Milton. The Spelling Bee (Kath Beavan) was recently seen getting all primped up for the upcoming event by Salon 51 employees on Main Street, Georgetown, (from left) Alma Wilkinson, Shelley Allison and Lorraine Teeter, as they prepare their own team for the event. For more info, or to submit a team, call The Bee organizer Theresa MacDonald at 905-876-0866 or tmacd@cogeco.ca.