Pictured from left, Burk’s Falls councillors John Wilson and Ashley Brandt, director of Business Development at Enbridge Scott Dodd, MPP Graydon Smith, Burk’s Falls Mayor Chris Hope, and Councillor Sean Cotton.
Parry Sound-Muskoka MPP Graydon Smith joined local officials and Enbridge Gas last Friday to mark a new milestone on the Burk’s Falls expansion project with the 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 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 more 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 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 of 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.”
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To Dave Gibson: So I’m not imagining that the cost of gas went through the roof in this last year. We too, use LESS gas yet we are paying an exorbitant monthly amount. I keep our thermostat at 64 F. most of the time. Our home is well insulated. We also are with Enbridge Gas. Ridiculous! There was a time when electric heat was sky high and gas was the way to go – not now. I won’t be buying another gas dryer.
Graydon Smith says, “Congratulations to the first 11 customers whose gas metres are now officially spinning …” Shouldn’t the congratulations go to Enbridge Gas? As a point of interest, my gas bill has increased by 74% (equalized payments) over last year even though my gas usage has decreased. Further, I just received a courtesy notice from Enbridge that they are applying to the regulator to raise the rates even more, as if the first 74% hike didn’t really do the trick for them. If the Ontario Conservatives are interested in keeping energy prices affordable, they could start by pulling their heads out of the sands and investing in clean, renewable energy that might eventually deliver savings to us in some form. Or, at least, leave us with a livable planet.