The EOWC’s Letter Regarding the Consultation on the Future of Community Natural Gas
Dear Minister Lecce,
On behalf of the Eastern Ontario Wardens’ Caucus (EOWC), we welcome the opportunity to contribute to the Ministry of Energy and Mines’ consultation on the future of community natural gas expansion. As Ontario continues to grow, reliable, secure, and diversified energy solutions are essential to ensuring overall community prosperity. The EOWC is committed to advancing local growth in eastern Ontario while ensuring access to the energy infrastructure needed to meet evolving community needs.
We commend the Ontario government for its leadership in pursuing an integrated energy planning approach that balances reliability, sustainability, and affordability. In doing so, we believe the province is taking meaningful steps to ensure communities have the energy choice and flexibility they need to thrive. Natural gas continues to play a critical role in Ontario’s energy system, providing reliable energy to homes, businesses, and industries, supporting housing and employment land development, and helping communities attract investment and enable economic growth. Expanding access to natural gas will equip municipalities with the tools to meet local development targets, plans, and maintain long-term energy security and resilience.
Investing in Phase 3 of the Natural Gas Expansion Program (NGEP) represents an important opportunity to better align infrastructure planning with local development goals. Where Phase 1 and 2 projects have already been delivered, we have seen first-hand how expanded energy access can help advance municipal priorities, unlock new growth potential, and enhance community resilience. We also encourage the Ministry to consider implementation barriers, including on-the-ground-challenges, timelines, approvals, and infrastructure coordination, to ensure that Phase 3 is delivered efficiently and effectively.
We support a Phase 3 approach that prioritizes community growth, energy reliability, and customer choice, while enabling municipalities to align energy planning with local priorities. We appreciate the Ministry’s continued commitment on these important issues and thank you for considering our perspectives as part of this consultation process.
Media Contacts
Chair Bonnie Clark (Warden of Peterborough County)
info@eowc.org | 705-927-4207
Meredith Staveley-Watson
Director of Government Relations and Policy
info@eowc.org | 647-545-8324