Premier in Leamington to break ground on new gas pipeline

A large contingent of elected officials, along with executives from the private business sector, made their way to Double Diamond Farms on Road 14 in Leamington to show their unequivocal support for the new $358 million natural gas pipeline that Enbridge Gas — North America’s largest natural gas utility — will build as part of its Panhandle Regional Expansion Project.

With natural gas already providing 30 percent of Ontario’s energy needs and providing a heat source for 75 percent of Ontario’s homes, the new 36-inch natural gas pipeline will span 19 kilometres from Chatham-Kent to Lakeshore and will primarily provide new energy for the rapidly growing industrial and greenhouse sectors in the Windsor-Essex area. 

One of those in attendance at the July 19 breaking ground event was Ontario Premier Doug Ford. 

He provided support for the project on behalf of the provincial government and indicated that “this is the biggest expansion to the province’s natural gas system in recent years. This expansion will allow for billions of dollars in investment and will create thousands of new jobs”

The Premier added, “This is one of the fastest-growing areas in the country. The new pipeline will ensure that we have safe, reliable energy for generations to come.”

Ontario’s new Minister of Energy and Electrification, Stephen Lecce, was also in attendance at the groundbreaking and stressed how “this type of addition will ensure that our citizens have access to energy that is truly affordable.”

As to how the new build will impact both Leamington and Kingsville, Richard Lee of the Ontario Greenhouse Growers provided some insights. “This increase in natural gas access will allow for substantial growth in the local greenhouse industry,” Lee said. “The expansion will allow for the development of at least 1,200 acres of new greenhouses. This could translate into a further two billion dollars in investment and the addition of 6,900 new greenhouse jobs.”

The President of the Ontario Federation of Agriculture, Drew Spoelstra, spoke at the event and further reinforced the impact that the additional pipeline will have on local food producers. 

“This addition will have a profound effect within the next five years,” said Spoelstra. “The expansion is essential for new upgrades and will ensure that our farmers can continue to thrive and grow.”

Local politicians in attendance were clearly thrilled with the new energy source that will be on tap later in the year when construction of the natural gas pipeline is scheduled to be completed.

Essex Member of Provincial Parliament Anthony Leardi stated, “It’s great news for the County of Essex. It will secure our economic future and provide great jobs for generations.”

“It’s always an exciting day when there is a large investment in our local infrastructure,” said Kingsville Mayor Dennis Rogers. “It will set the stage and solidify an opportunity for real growth in our community.”

Essex County Warden and Leamington Mayor Hilda MacDonald added, “This build is fantastic. It isn’t just about greenhouses, but also will aid with residential growth. When you increase energy to a community, it really is good news.”