$8.67 million has been provided to North Bay by the Ontario government to expand natural gas to households and businesses.
Construction is currently underway on a new natural gas pipeline that will bring affordable energy to the Northshore and Peninsula Roads area.
The project involves 27 kilometers of a new natural gas pipeline by Enbridge. The project is funded through the province’s Natural Gas Expansion Program and will deliver natural gas to an estimated 134 homes and businesses.
“Expanding natural gas access to this area of North Bay will help businesses grow and create jobs,” said Bill Walker, Associate Minister of Energy. “Our government is committed to ensuring our northern and rural communities are open for business – providing reliable and affordable energy to North Bay is just one of the ways we are delivering on that commitment.”
By switching to natural gas, households in North Bay could save up to 46 per cent per year on their heating costs, and businesses could save up to 30 per cent.
“Many North Bay customers already enjoy the value natural gas offers, and we’re thrilled to be able to connect more homes and businesses along Northshore and Peninsula Roads to the most affordable home and water heating energy source,” said Cynthia Hansen, Executive Vice President & President, Gas Distribution & Storage, Enbridge Inc. “At Enbridge Gas, we’re looking forward to continuing our work with the Government of Ontario to bring safe, reliable, affordable natural gas to more of our province’s northern, rural and Indigenous communities.”
Vic Fedeli, MPP for Nipissing says that this is welcomed news for Nipissing residents.
“This expansion will mean a cleaner and more affordable energy source for our rural and Northern communities who have long been waiting for more choice and access to reliable fuel options,” he said.
The project is part of Ontario’s first phase of the Natural Gas Expansion Program, which is expected to connect over 9,000 customers in 16 communities.
Enbridge’s website states that 70% of the project will be completed in 2020. This includes complete installation and activation of the station as well as piping along Trout Lake Road, West Peninsula Road, Viceroy Road, Wild Cherry Lane and approximately six km on Peninsula Road. All will be in-service by November of this year.
The remaining 30% along Northshore Road, Garland Road, Regal Road and 1KM along Peninsula Road will be in-service by fall of 2021.
