Province Brings Affordable Heating to Rural Ontario
The Ontario government is continuing to support the natural gas project to bring affordable heating to Fenelon Falls, Cameron and Cambray, which is already putting money back in people’s pockets.
“Ontario’s Government is working for the People by investing in rural and Northern Ontario, making businesses more competitive and helping people save significant money on their home heating bills,” said Infrastructure Minister Monte McNaughton. “This investment makes it clear that Ontario is open for business.”
Depending on their current fuel source, households benefiting from the Fenelon Falls project will be able to save up to $1,050 per year on energy costs.
The project will allow an estimated 1,370 households and 155 businesses access to natural gas in Fenelon Falls, Cameron and Cambray. So far, 32 homes and one business have already been connected.
“Access to natural gas will make life more affordable for Fenelon Falls families and save local businesses money that they can use to hire new workers or invest in growing their business,” said MPP Laurie Scott. “I’m excited about the potential for natural gas expansion to promote economic development here in Haliburton-Kawartha Lakes-Brock and across rural Ontario.”
Diane McNamara, co-owner of Cornerstone Furnishings in Fenelon Falls, said “switching from oil to natural gas would bring the store’s annual heating bill down from about $9,000 to $3,500. I grew up in this area and am proud to be a business owner here. I am excited the Province saw the potential in this area and made the decision to bring natural gas services here, allowing us another more affordable energy option. It is an important step towards attracting new residents and new businesses, which is good for our community.”
“We are committed to providing the energy that Ontario residents want and need,” said Cynthia Hansen, Executive Vice President and President, Utilities and Power Operations, Enbridge Inc. “Natural gas is the most affordable way to heat our homes, and now Fenelon Falls residents can take advantage of the cost savings, and local businesses can be more competitive. We look forward to working with the government to continue to expand access to safe, reliable, and abundant natural gas.”
Quick Facts
The Ontario government is investing a total of $12.3 million to expand natural gas access to Fenelon Falls, Cameron and Cambray.
The project is being led by Enbridge Gas Inc., Canada’s largest natural gas distribution utility, serving approximately 3.7 million residential and business customers in Ontario.
Cornerstone Furnishings is an independent, family-owned business. It has operated for 41 years on Fenelon Falls’ main street. With natural gas access now in Fenelon Falls, the store is looking to expand its sale of household gas appliances.
Expanding access to natural gas is a top priority for the Government of Ontario. The recent passage of Bill 32, the Access to Natural Gas Act, makes it possible to implement a new program that would, once the regulations are in place, be designed to expand natural gas distribution systems to more parts of rural and Northern Ontario, including First Nations communities.
Author: Pete Fisher
Has been a photojournalist for over 30-years and have been honoured to win numerous awards for photography and writing over the years. Best selling author for the book Highway of Heroes - True Patriot Love