Viseneau cable replacement project
The Visenau cable replacement project is being conducted as an essential requirement to replace the aging underground equipment supplying power to the Châteauneuf community in Orleans West-Innes Ward to ensure more reliability in the neighbourhood.
This initiative is more than a single project; we’re prioritizing essential infrastructure replacement projects, such as this one, across our service territory as a core component of Hydro Ottawa's commitment to modernizing our entire electricity grid. These proactive investments ensure we can provide a reliable and sustainable electricity supply for all our customers.
Why this project is important
Hydro Ottawa equipment in this area is reaching the end of its life cycle and has had a recent history of faults. While crews initially performed emergency cable changes to fix immediate issues, the Viseneau cable replacement project is now essential so that we can continue to meet the reliability needs of the service area. The project also focuses on mitigating equipment failure ensuring a more consistent power supply.
What this project will include
As part of the Viseneau cable replacement project, the following work will be completed:
- Excavation and replacement of existing underground cables, including the installation of 4,500 metres of high-voltage underground cables.
- Installation of new underground duct work and protective piping, including four new cable chambers and 15 concrete-encased road crossings.
- Expected disruption to local residents such as traffic control measures, increased noise related to excavating equipment and target planned outages to customers electrical supply.
- Most construction activities will occur in front yards within the City of Ottawa’s Road Right-of-Way and designated Hydro Ottawa easements, which are legal rights of access for Hydro Ottawa to install and maintain its electrical distribution system.
Property reinstatement will follow the construction, when the weather permits. Any excavated holes will initially be filled with sand to ensure immediate safety. Final reinstatement, including topsoil and seeding, will be completed when temperatures and thawing allow and to meet City of Ottawa guidelines.
How Hydro Ottawa customers will benefit from this project
Once the cable replacements are complete, customers will notice a more reliable power supply and higher overall resilience of the electricity system in their area, leading to less unplanned power outages. Additionally, utilizing protective piping for the new cables safeguards the efficiency of the electrical grid and significantly increases the lifespan of the cables. These durable encasings are designed to ensure that if issues do occur, faults can be identified and isolated much faster, allowing power to be restored more quickly with fewer overall customers impacted.
Virtual community information sessions
On July 22, 2026, we will host two virtual community information sessions. Impacted residents and businesses will have the opportunity to learn more about the project, including key timelines, but most importantly ask questions and provide feedback. Please join us at one of our sessions:
Virtual information session 1
Wednesday, July 22, 2026
12:15 p.m. to 1 p.m.
Register here
Virtual information session 2
Wednesday, July 22, 2026
7 p.m. to 7:45 p.m.
Register here
You will then receive a confirmation email with the information session access link.
Contact
If you have questions about the project please email our Community Relations team at [email protected]