Bruce-Grey-Owen Sound MPP Bill Walker is announcing almost 220 homes, farms and businesses in Neustadt will be able to connect to natural gas.
A release from Walker notes this will be the first time residents and businesses in this area will be able to do so, due to Ontario’s Natural Gas Expansion Program.
As part of phase two of the program, the province will be allocating over $5.1 million to support the connection to natural gas distribution in Bruce-Grey-Owen Sound. The Ontario government will be doing the same across the province, so to help keep the cost of energy low for families, businesses and farmers.
Walker says, “access to natural gas will help more families and businesses find energy savings, while promoting economic development and job creation across Bruce-Grey-Owen Sound.”
According to the release, the average household would be able to save between $250 to $1,500 yearly in energy costs by transitioning to natural gas from more expensive fuel sources. Businesses can do the same, and save up to 30 per cent a year in energy costs.
The second phase of the program will also allocate over $234 million to support about 8,750 connections in 43 rural, northern and Indigenous communities.
West Grey Mayor Christine Robinson says this is a significant investment in Neustadt and a testament to the collaborative working relationship of all partners.
“Investing in infrastructure is a key focus for West Grey. Today’s announcement of natural gas expansion in our municipality is an enhancement for our residents and positions West Grey for continued expansion while supporting our existing businesses, agriculture and manufacturing sectors,” says Robinson.
Since the launch of the first phase, the Natural Gas Expansion Program has been supporting projects, which are estimated to connect over 9,000 people in 16 communities to natural gas.
Cynthia Hansen, Executive Vice President and President of Gas Distribution and Storage at Enbridge says, they are thrilled through the province’s Natural Gas Expansion Program, as Enbridge Gas will bring the needed and wanted natural gas in the most affordable way to more communities across Ontario.
“Natural gas is the most economic way to heat buildings and water,” says Hansen.
Grey County Warden Selwyn Hicks adds, “new natural gas services provide families and businesses with meaningful savings on energy that can improve quality of life and competitiveness.”
The construction for projects in phase two are set to begin as soon as this year, and all 28 expansion projects are expected to be underway by the end of 2025.