Planning work continues on the proposed natural gas pipeline to Cherry Valley.
Prince Edward County Council heard a deputation from staff from Enbridge, informing council of the latest progress in their plans to expand natural gas service south of Picton.
The planned pipeline expansion stretches from Waring’s Corner, just south of Picton, down to Cherry Valley, and would serve almost 200 homes.
Environmental assessments for the project are already underway. Enbridge is still identifying all the permits they will need to apply for, and preparing for public consultation. During the presentation, they said they want to have all the permits they need for the project approved by the end of this year.
Enbridge plans to construct the pipeline in early 2024, with the first customers connected to the new pipes later that year.
Councillor Kate MacNaughton was critical of the project. She noted that while natural gas causes less pollution than wood stoves or oil furnaces, investing in natural gas might slow down or prevent conversion to green energy.
“My concern is that if you’ve got 200 homes that are looking to make a change from either external wood burners or oil furnaces, changing propane to natural gas, that they might invest in a new home infrastructure,” said MacNaughton. “Which is many thousands of dollars, and it’s going to mean that they’re not going to invest in a decarbonized heating or cooling source, for 10, 15, maybe 20 years.”
Council accepted the information provided, and took no further action at this time.
