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Ontario Greenlights $358 Million Panhandle Regional Expansion Project

Chatham, Ontario – The Ontario government has announced the commencement of construction on Enbridge Gas’s $358 million Panhandle Regional Expansion Project. This strategic initiative is poised to generate approximately 7,000 jobs, facilitate $4.5 billion in investment opportunities, and bolster the province’s drive towards a more reliable, affordable, and cleaner energy landscape.

Premier Doug Ford expressed the government’s commitment to enhancing the province’s energy infrastructure during a press briefing. “Our government is continuing to secure the reliable and affordable energy that is critical to our plan to rebuild Ontario’s economy, keep costs down for families, and build homes across the province,” Ford stated. “This project will help deliver that reliable energy supply and, in the process, create good-paying jobs, support our world-leading greenhouse sector, and power Ontario’s economic growth for many years to come.”

The Panhandle Regional Expansion Project involves the construction of 19 kilometers of new pipeline, which will run parallel to the existing infrastructure, effectively increasing the capacity of Enbridge’s Panhandle Transmission System. This expansion is a crucial investment in Southwestern Ontario’s energy infrastructure, fostering economic development and supporting the region’s flourishing greenhouse industry.

Stephen Lecce, Minister of Energy and Electrification, highlighted the importance of affordable energy in the province’s growth plans. “A continued priority for our government is delivering affordable energy to Ontario families. Our population is growing, and the economy is electrifying, which underscores why our government is determined to generate more clean and reliable energy to drive our growth. The Panhandle Transmission System is a vital part of that vision as it helps to ensure that families and businesses across Southwestern Ontario have access to affordable power now and into the future, while creating 7,000 good-paying jobs.”

As Ontario experiences increasing electrification alongside robust population and economic growth, the demand for a stable and affordable electricity supply is paramount. This new pipeline will enhance the province’s ability to meet these rising energy demands, ensuring that large-scale manufacturing and other energy-intensive industries can thrive.

Sam Oosterhoff, Associate Minister of Energy-Intensive Industries, emphasized the regional benefits of the project. “Southwestern Ontario is a great place to both live and work, and it is seeing huge economic and population growth. With that growth comes the need for more energy of all types to power the success of industries in the region. This new investment in natural gas energy expansion will enable the rapid continued growth of our world-leading greenhouse industry in Southwestern Ontario and strengthen the province’s agri-food sector.”

The Panhandle Regional Expansion Project aligns with Ontario’s broader energy strategy, Powering Ontario’s Growth, which includes securing Canada’s largest clean energy storage procurement, investing over $1 billion in energy efficiency programs, supporting the continued safe operation of the Pickering Nuclear Generating Station, and constructing Canada’s first grid-scale Small Modular Reactor.

Michele Harradence, EVP and President of Enbridge Gas Distribution & Storage, reinforced the company’s dedication to meeting Southwestern Ontario’s energy needs. “Enbridge Gas is committed to meeting the energy needs of Southwestern Ontario. Through the expansion of the Panhandle system and increased access to energy at the Enbridge Gas Dawn Hub, we are proud to support the region’s growth by providing reliable and affordable energy to residential, commercial, and industrial customers. This major natural gas project reflects our dedication to serving the community and powering the progress of Ontario’s southwest region.”

Key Highlights:

  • Investment: $358 million Panhandle Regional Expansion Project by Enbridge Gas.
  • Job Creation: Approximately 7,000 new jobs.
  • Economic Impact: $4.5 billion in investment opportunities.
  • Infrastructure: 19 kilometers of new pipeline to enhance the Panhandle Transmission System.
  • Energy Needs: Supports growing energy demands due to population and economic growth.
  • Regional Growth: Boosts the greenhouse and agri-food sectors in Southwestern Ontario.
  • Government Strategy: Part of Ontario’s comprehensive energy and economic growth plan.

The Panhandle Regional Expansion Project is a significant milestone in Ontario’s efforts to secure a sustainable energy future, promoting economic resilience and growth across the province.

SOURCE Province of Ontario

Samantha Deschamps

Samantha Deschamps serves as the Queens Park Reporter, offering insightful coverage of provincial politics with depth and accuracy. With a keen understanding of legislative intricacies, Deschamps provides invaluable perspectives on matters affecting Ontario. For inquiries or feedback, contact Samantha at samantha.deschamps@gtaweekly.ca.

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