Friday, April 18, 2025
The Government of Ontario and Enbridge Gas announced the start of construction on the $358-million Panhandle Regional Expansion Project.
This project will lead to the construction of approximately 19 kilometers of new pipeline that will parallel the existing pipeline and increase the capacity of Enbridge’s Panhandle Transmission System. The pipeline expansion is a vital investment in energy infrastructure that will encourage economic development in Southwestern Ontario and support the growth of the region’s vibrant world-leading greenhouse industry.
“Our government is continuing to secure the reliable and affordable energy that is critical to our plan to rebuild Ontario’s economy, keep costs down for families and build homes across the province,” said Premier Doug Ford. “This project will help deliver that reliable energy supply and, in the process, create good-paying jobs, support our world-leading greenhouse sector and power Ontario’s economic growth for many years to come.”
The new pipeline will also help supply the electricity generation needed to meet the province’s growing energy demands, due to increasing electrification, strong population and economic growth. Access to a reliable and affordable electricity supply is increasingly a key priority for companies, particularly those investing in large-scale manufacturing projects.
“A continued priority for our government is delivering affordable energy to Ontario families,” said Stephen Lecce, Minister of Energy and Electrification. “Our population is growing, and the economy is electrifying, which underscores why our government is determined to generate more clean and reliable energy to drive our growth. The Panhandle Transmission System is a vital part of that vision as it helps to ensure that families and businesses across Southwestern Ontario have access to affordable power now and into the future, while creating 7,000 good paying jobs.”
The Panhandle Regional Expansion Project is part of Ontario’s efforts to meet the province’s growing energy demands. As outlined in Powering Ontario’s Growth, Ontario has also secured Canada’s largest clean energy storage procurement, invested more than $1 billion in energy efficiency programs, is supporting the continued safe operation of the Pickering Nuclear Generating Station and is building Canada’s first grid-scale Small Modular Reactor.
“Enbridge Gas is committed to meeting the energy needs of Southwestern Ontario. Through the expansion of the Panhandle system and increased access to energy at the Enbridge Gas Dawn Hub, we are proud to support the region’s growth by providing reliable and affordable energy to residential, commercial, and industrial customers,” said Michele Harradence, EVP and President, Enbridge Gas Distribution & Storage. “This major natural gas project reflects our dedication to serving the community and powering the progress of Ontario’s southwest region.”
Featured image: (Government of Ontario)
