Milestone On Burk’s Falls Expansion Project As First Customers Connected To Natural Gas

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Today, Parry Sound—Muskoka MPP Graydon Smith joined local officials and Enbridge Gas to mark a new milestone on the Burk’s Falls expansion project with first customers being connected to natural gas in that community.

“Congratulations to the first 11 customers whose natural gas meters are now officially spinning and who are receiving access to natural gas to help lower emissions and their energy costs. I’m excited about the long-term benefits of this new infrastructure delivered by our government and Enbridge Gas, and the new economic opportunities it will bring to our local community,” said MPP Smith.

Ontario is expanding access to natural gas throughout rural, northern Ontario and Indigenous communities, including in Burk’s Falls and Hidden Valley area of Huntsville. Construction is well underway on a new natural gas pipeline that has already begun bringing reliable and affordable energy to local customers.

Todd Smith, Minister of Energy, said the average household could save up to 60 per cent in energy costs a year as they switch to affordable natural gas from costlier fuel sources, and businesses can save up to 30 per cent. Last summer, the government announced $1,237,071 in funding to connect about 41 households to natural gas in Burk’s Falls.

“This is great news for local families and businesses,” said Minister Smith. “Making progress on projects like this one shows that our government is fulfilling its commitments to keep costs down, while making rural communities more attractive for job creation and economic growth.”

Through Phase 1 and 2 of Ontario’s Natural Gas Expansion Program, more than $360 million was allocated to expand access to families and businesses in 59 communities across the province. Due to overwhelming interest from communities, businesses and municipal councils, Ontario will soon begin consulting on how to best deliver Phase 3 of the program.

“A warm welcome to our new customers in Burk’s Falls,” said Michele Harradence, President, Enbridge Gas Inc. “We’re thrilled to have new customers join the Enbridge family and start enjoying the comfort, reliability and cost savings that natural gas offers.”

  • Phase 2 of the Natural Gas Expansion Program will allocate more than $234 million to support 28 new natural gas expansion projects, which are expected to be underway by the end of 2025. 
  • Two expansion projects under Phase 2 will directly benefit Indigenous communities, specifically the Red Rock First Nation and the Mohawks of the Bay of Quinte First Nation. 
  • Since the launch of the NGEP in 2019, Phases 1 and 2 have supported projects that are expected to connect 17,750 customers in 59 communities across Ontario. 
  • Phase 1 and 2 projects are funded through a $1-per-month charge to existing natural gas customers. 

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