Communities in one area of Bruce County are one step closer to have access to natural gas supply in the Municipality of Kincardine, Huron-Kinloss and Arran-Elderslie.
EPCOR recently filed applications for the final regulatory approval needed from the Ontario Energy Board.
The "leave to construct" application is the final step to as EPCOR seeks to build the natural gas distribution system and to establish rates for Southern Bruce Customers.
Huron Kinloss Mayor Mitch Twolan said they are extremely encouraged after the province recently introduced new legislation to facilitate natural gas expansion.
If passed, Bill 32 will provide the necessary tools for the provincial government to enable the private sector, working with local communities, to expand natural gas infrastructure.
“During the recent provincial election campaign, the Conservatives emphasized the importance of new investment and jobs and lower energy prices for Ontarians. Our Southern Bruce natural gas expansion project will deliver significant benefits in all these critical areas” said Mayor Anne Eadie. “We cannot wait any longer and need the provincial government to act to provide us and EPCOR with the legal and regulatory mechanisms to bring the project to completion.”
With major equipment and preconstruction activities planned for this fall, the province needs to act as quickly as possible to achieve the goal of natural gas expansion in Southern Bruce in a way that will not affect taxpayers.
“Over the past six years, our municipalities have worked tirelessly to bring natural gas to our region," said Eadie. "It is critical that the province continue to move swiftly to enact Bill 32 and its regulations so EPCOR can begin to lay pipe as soon as possible after receiving OEB approval.”
