Ontario Homeowner Charged After Confrontation Over Hydro One Surveyors: A Community Stands United

A rural Ontario community is rallying behind a Tay Valley Township homeowner who is now facing an assault charge following a heated confrontation with a group allegedly surveying his property for a controversial Hydro One transmission line. Scott MacMillan, 53, finds himself at the center of a burgeoning legal and public relations battle, insisting he was merely defending his home and land from what he perceived as an aggressive intrusion.

The incident, which unfolded on May 8 in Lanark County, involved MacMillan and a group from J.

E. Anderson & Associates, a firm contracted by Hydro One. According to MacMillan’s account, he encountered the team on his property and, after an initial exchange, claims he was struck, prompting him to react in self-defense. "I felt absolutely threatened, and I had no idea what was going to happen next.

I was protecting my property," MacMillan stated, asserting that the situation escalated rapidly after he requested them to leave and they allegedly became aggressive.

Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) from the Lanark County detachment confirmed that officers responded to a disturbance call on County Road 15 in Tay Valley Township and that one person has been charged with assault.

While police maintain that the investigation is active and cannot disclose specifics of the interaction, the charge against MacMillan has ignited a firestorm of local support.

Hydro One, addressing the ongoing controversy, stated they are undertaking survey work for a planned transmission line that will connect their Merickville and Kingston Transformer Stations.

They affirmed their commitment to safety for both their teams and the public, emphasizing ongoing engagement with property owners and Indigenous communities. However, this project has been met with significant resistance from residents across Lanark County, many of whom feel their property rights are being trampled.

Dave Shwaika, MacMillan’s lawyer, is resolute in his client's defense, arguing that MacMillan was not the aggressor but rather acted to protect his property against perceived trespassers.

This legal stance resonates deeply with the local community, which has long voiced concerns about the proposed transmission line carving through their rural landscapes.

The incident has galvanized groups like "Hold the Line Lanark," who advocate for property owners' rights and express deep distrust of Hydro One’s approach.

Supporters view MacMillan as a champion standing up against a large utility, making his case a focal point in the wider debate over land use and eminent domain. Photos circulated online depict a determined MacMillan, further fueling public sympathy and solidarity.

As the legal process unfolds, Scott MacMillan is scheduled to appear in Perth court on June 24.

His case has become a symbol of the broader struggle between individual landowners and the demands of large-scale infrastructure projects, casting a spotlight on property rights and community resilience in the face of perceived overreach.