Hydro-Québec powers up Pontiac with major upgrade
Tashi Farmilo
Local Journalism Initiative
Published in the Pontiac Journal on May 21, 2025.
FORT-COULONGE – Hydro-Québec has unveiled plans to significantly upgrade the electrical infrastructure in the Pontiac. The project includes building a new 120/25-kilovolt substation in the Fort-Coulonge–Mansfield area, reconstructing the existing Cadieux substation in Bryson, and constructing a 30-kilometre, 120-kV transmission line connecting the two substations.
The investment, funded entirely by Hydro-Québec, aims to provide a long-term, stable solution to power reliability issues that have troubled the region for decades. An open house for residents and stakeholders will be held on Tuesday, May 27 from 2 – 8 pm at the Knights of Columbus Hall located at 525 Rue Baume, Fort-Coulonge.
Pontiac MNA André Fortin emphasized the importance of this development, noting that addressing power reliability in the Upper Pontiac and Mansfield areas has been a critical concern since his election. Fortin stated that “residents in the Upper Pontiac who have been underserved for years deserve quality service just like anyone else.” He added that while Hydro-Québec had previously attempted short-term solutions, including vegetation management and system restarts, these did not adequately resolve the frequent outages or their impacts.
“Not having a stable power supply has limited economic development, damaged household appliances, hindered working from home, and caused serious safety concerns, particularly in areas with poor cellular coverage,” Fortin explained.
He recalled a dangerous incident from early 2023 when an Upper Pontiac resident faced
a medical emergency during a power outage, highlighting the urgency of stable electricity forresidents’ safety and well-being.
Pontiac Warden Jane Toller expressed optimism regarding the announcement, stating,
“I am delighted to announce that after seven years of frequent power outages in MRC Pontiac, a solution to provide dependable hydroelectricity to residents and businesses
has been found.”
Mayor Corey Spence of L’Isle-aux-Allumettes also welcomed the project enthusiastically, describing it as “a long-overdue investment for our region and for the prosperity and well-being of the people who call Pontiac home.” Spence acknowledged the persistent advocacy from local officials, Hydro-Québec staff, and residents who worked tirelessly for this improvement, calling it “their victory.”
The project will proceed in stages: technical and environmental studies, along with public consultations, will occur through 2026. Government approvals are anticipated from 2026 to 2028, construction is planned between 2028 and 2030, and the commissioning of the new infrastructure is expected in 2030–2031.
For further details, visit Hydro-Québec’s project page: www.hydroquebec.com/projects/cadieux-coulonge/
A detailed map of the study area can be downloaded here: www.hydroquebec.com/data/
projets/7819_uda_001_Cadieux-Coulonge_250326.pdf
