KAWARTHA LAKES-Construction has officially begun on the Bobcaygeon natural gas expansion project that will bring affordable home heating to the community. In June 2021, the government announced $68 million in funding for this project.
“Our government’s foremost priority is providing affordable energy to Ontarians, and this announcement will connect more people in our province to reliable and affordable home heating,” said Stephen Lecce, Minister of Energy and Electrification. “I want to congratulate the Bobcaygeon community who will benefit from this new line, that will also attract new economic opportunities, bringing new jobs and investments to this region.”
Ontario is expanding access to natural gas in rural, northern Ontario and Indigenous communities, including the Bobcaygeon project to secure affordable energy for residents. Construction has begun by Enbridge Gas to bring a new natural gas pipeline into the community.
According to estimates by Enbridge Gas, households in Bobcaygeon could save up to 50 per cent in energy costs a year as they switch from costlier fuel sources, and businesses can save up to 30 per cent. When completed, this project could connect approximately 3,700 customers to natural gas, including an estimated 2,300 newly built homes and businesses as well as 1,300 existing households and businesses.
“This is great news for people in Bobcaygeon,” said Laurie Scott, MPP for Haliburton-Kawartha Lakes-Brock. “Making progress on projects like this one shows that our government is fulfilling its commitments to keep costs down, while making rural communities a better place to live and work.”
Through Phase 1 and 2 of Ontario’s Natural Gas Expansion Program, more than $281 million is being allocated to expand natural gas access to families and businesses in 59 communities across the province. Due to overwhelming demand from communities, businesses and municipal councils, Ontario will begin consulting this fall on how to best deliver Phase 3 of the program.
QUICK FACTS:
Phase 2 of the Natural Gas Expansion Program will allocate more than $226 million to support 28 new natural gas expansion projects, which are expected to be underway by the end of 2025.
- Two Phase 2 expansion projects will directly benefit Indigenous communities, specifically the Red Rock First Nation and the Mohawks of the Bay of Quinte First Nation.
- Since its launch in 2019, Phase 1 of the Natural Gas Expansion Program has supported projects that are forecast to connect over 9,000 customers, in 16 communities, to natural gas.
- Phase 1 and 2 projects are funded through a $1-per-month charge to existing natural gas customers.