Funding for natural gas expansion announced with $5M investment

By Rob Paul

Last Thursday, July 15, Dufferin-Caledon MPP Sylvia Jones was joined at Caledon Town Hall by Minister of Energy Todd Smith and Mayor Allan Thompson to announce that approximately 100 homes and businesses in Caledon will be able to connect to natural gas for the first time.

This formal announcement comes after the Province previously announced that Caledon would be part of Phase Two of the Natural Gas Expansion Program.

Overall, Ontario will allocate $5,048,975 to support connect to natural gas distribution systems to make energy more affordable in Dufferin-Caledon.

“This announcement is a step forward in bringing services and infrastructure to rural areas of Caledon,” said Thompson. “We want to thank our provincial partners for understanding how critically important these types of investments are for affordability and competitiveness in smaller communities.”

The average household could save between $250 to $1,500 per year in energy costs by switching to natural gas from costlier fuel sources. Businesses are expected to save up to 30 per cent per year on energy costs.

“Our government is making good on its promise to deliver affordable energy and expand natural gas pipelines to more communities,” Jones said. “Access to natural gas will help more families and businesses find energy savings, while promoting economic development and job creation across Dufferin-Caledon.”

The Ontario Government is expanding access to natural gas across the province to help keep costs of energy low for familieis, businesses, and farmers.

Phase Two of the Natural Gas Expansion Program will allocate more than $234 million to support approximately 8,750 connections in 43 rural, northern, and Indigenous communities.

“As part of our government's plan to make life more affordable, we are lowering energy costs for homes, businesses, and farms across rural, remote, and undeserved communities,” said Smith. “With Phase Two of the Natural Gas Expansion program, we're putting people first, bringing prosperity to their communities, and ensuring Ontario remains open for business.”

Construction for projects under Phase Two will begin as soon as this year, with all 28 expansion projects expected to be underway by the end of 2025.

Phase One and Two projects are funded through a $1-per-month charge to existing natural gas customers.

Since its launch in 2019, Phase One of the Natural Gas Expansion Program has supported projects that are forecasted to connect over 9,000 customers in 16 communities to natural gas.