Natural gas projects are getting the stamp approval in communities across region.
In Brockton, businesses and residents will soon be able to convert their heating and water systems to natural gas, following the approval of a $20.3-million project by EPCOR Ontario Utilities Inc.
That's to extend natural gas into the region and includes the communities of Elmwood, Vesta, Solway, Cargill, Pinkerton, Bradley, Glammis, Chepstow, Greenock and Riversdale, plus areas in between.
501 new hook-ups are expected to be created by 2025.
“We are extremely pleased that the Province of Ontario has approved this important project for Brockton, and we thank our local MPPs Lisa Thompson and Bill Walker for their hard work and commitment to seeing this through,” said Mayor Chris Peabody. “This will enable our agribusinesses, developers and smaller businesses in our rural hamlets and villages to remain competitive, and will offer rural residents equal access to this clean and affordable source of energy. We have an excellent partnership with EPCOR that we look forward to continuing.”
“Brockton is the leader in agricultural production in Bruce County, and access to natural gas tops the wish list of many of our largest producers, from grain drying operations to biogas producers and poultry, dairy and beef operations,” stated Brockton Chief Administrative Officer Sonya Watson. “This will help level the playing field."
In Grey County, 219 homes and businesses in Neustadt will be able to connect to natural gas for the first time. Ontario is allocating $5,128,997 to support the new connections.
And in Perth East, Ontario’s Natural Gas Expansion Program will soon extend service to Brunner. with approximately 44 homes and businesses in the area to have the option. Ontario is allocating $814,850 to that project.
All of the money is part of Phase 2 of Ontario's Natural Gas Expansion Program.
Associate Minister of Energy and Bruce-Grey-Owen Sound MPP Bill Walker made the announcement Wednesday.
“As part of our government’s plan to make life more affordable, we prioritized broad distribution across Ontario to help as many homes and businesses keep the cost of energy low, support jobs and attract new investment,” he said. “With Phase 2 of the Natural Gas Expansion program, we’re putting people first and ensuring Ontario remains open for business. This will be a game-changer for these 43 communities.”