Today, Norm Miller, MPP for Parry Sound-Muskoka announced that approximately 41 homes and businesses in Burks Falls and 103 homes and businesses in the Hidden Valley area of Huntsville will be able to connect to natural gas for the first time thanks to the province’s Natural Gas Expansion Program.
Under Phase 2 of the program, Ontario will allocate $1,237,071 to support new connections to the natural gas distribution system in Burk’s Falls and $1,899,859 towards new connections in Hidden Valley.
“Our government is making good on its promise to deliver affordable energy and expand natural gas pipelines to more communities,” said Parry Sound-Muskoka MPP Norman Miller. “Access to natural gas will help more families and businesses find energy savings, while promoting economic development and job creation.”
The Ontario government is expanding access to natural gas across the province to help keep the cost of energy low for families, businesses and farmers. Phase 2 of the Natural Gas Expansion Program will allocate more than $234 million to support approximately 8750 connections in 43 rural, northern and Indigenous communities.
“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,” said Bill Walker, Associate Minister of Energy.
“This announcement for natural gas expansion into the Hidden Valley area is great news for Huntsville and especially for the residents who will benefit from a more economical heat source,” said Huntsville Mayor Karin Terziano. “This is expected to save home owners as much as $1,500 per year.”
“The Village of Burk’s Falls is thrilled with the expected upgrading of natural gas to our community,” said Village of Burk’s Falls Mayor Cathy Still. “Infrastructure is the key to success for growth in all communities!”
Construction for projects under Phase 2 will begin as soon as this year, with all expansion projects expected to be underway by the end of 2025.
“We’re thrilled that through Ontario’s Natural Gas Expansion Program, Enbridge Gas will bring much needed and wanted natural gas in the most affordable way to more communities across Ontario,” said Cynthia Hansen, Executive Vice President & President, Gas Distribution & Storage, Enbridge Inc. “Natural gas is the most economical way to heat buildings and water, and we are excited to work with local officials and the community to move these projects forward, so residents can benefit from the cost savings, and local businesses can be more competitive.”
“I am pleased that more residents and businesses in Parry Sound-Muskoka will have access to natural gas,” said Miller. “We have long, cold winters and natural gas will bring down the cost of heating for many families.”
[…] Ontario government is expanding access to natural gas across the province to help keep the cost of energy low for families, businesses and farmers. Phase […]