The five planning regions in the GTA and Central Ontario area includes all of the Greater Toronto Area, stretches north to Parry Sound/Muskoka, and roughly spans the area from Meaford to Minden.
The GTA North Region (York Region) roughly comprises of municipalities in the Regional municipality of York, including the Cities of Markham, Richmond Hill and Vaughan, the Towns of Aurora, East Gwillimbury, Georgina, Newmarket, Whitchurch-Stouffville, and the Township of King. Since the electricity system was not developed along municipal boundaries, customers in some areas near the boundaries of York Region are supplied from infrastructure outside this region. Some customers in Durham and Simcoe counties, and the City of Toronto are supplied from the York Region infrastructure.
The region also includes a number of Indigenous communities including:
Alderville First Nation
Beausoleil First Nation
Curve Lake First Nation
Chippewas of Georgina Island First Nation
Hiawatha First Nation
Haudenosaunee Development Institute/Hereditary Chiefs Council
Kawartha Nishnawbe
Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation
Rama First Nation
Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation
Six Nations of the Grand River
The local distribution companies providing services to customers in the area include:
Alectra Utilities
Hydro One Networks Inc.
Newmarket-Tay Power Distribution Ltd.
Toronto Hydro Electric System
Community Engagement
The IESO engages with local and regional communities to seek input to help inform planning activities.
A new regional planning cycle has begun York Region that will examine local growth and future electricity needs. The new cycle started in 2023, beginning with the Needs Assessment that was completed by Hydro One in July 2023.
The IESO is developing a Scoping Assessment Outcome Report and draft Integrated Regional Resource Plan (IRRP) Terms of Reference (if an IRRP is required) to determine the most appropriate planning approach going forward to meet the needs of the region.
The previous regional planning cycle was completed for York Region with the release of an Integrated Regional Resource Plan (IRRP) in February 2020 and the supporting Appendices in March 2020, followed by a Regional Infrastructure Plan (RIP) released by Hydro One in October 2020.
