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Natural gas

Burlington Supports Natural Gas Pipeline Expansion, Environmental Groups Oppose

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

The City of Burlington has expressed support for Enbridge Gas' proposed natural gas pipeline expansion on the Niagara Escarpment, citing the project's potential to provide affordable and reliable energy to residents. However, local environmental groups, including Burlington Green and Protecting Escarpment Rural Land (PERL), continue to oppose the project, arguing that it contravenes the city's declaration of a climate emergency and could hinder efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Key Takeaways:

  • The proposed pipeline expansion would add approximately six kilometres of new natural gas pipeline, providing service to an anticipated 103 customers over a 10-year period.
  • The project is supported by the City of Burlington, with Mayor Marianne Meed Ward writing a letter in July 2025 expressing support for the project, citing its potential to enhance access to a reliable and cost-effective energy source.
  • Environmental groups, including Burlington Green and Protecting Escarpment Rural Land (PERL), have opposed the project, arguing that it contravenes the city's declaration of a climate emergency and could hinder efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
  • The Ontario Energy Board will assess the project's environmental, economic, and social impacts as part of the approval process, but an exemption application will be submitted to the board by the end of 2025.
  • Public consultation will be part of the company's environmental report, which will be submitted as part of the Ontario Energy Board's application.
  • The preferred route for the pipeline is within the road allowance of Cedar Springs Road, from Britannia Road to south of 2 Side Road, and includes parts of Cedar Springs Court, a portion of 2 Side Road, and Medad Springs Court.

Statistics:

  • 103 customers are expected to be served by the proposed pipeline expansion over a 10-year period.
  • 6 km of new natural gas pipeline is proposed along the Niagara Escarpment.
  • 2027 is anticipated as the year of construction for the project, pending approval from the Ontario Energy Board.

Sources:

  • "Burlington Mayor Marianne Meed Ward supports Enbridge Gas proposal for north Burlington pipeline expansion," Burlington Post, July 11, 2025.
  • "Burlington Green and Protecting Escarpment Rural Land (PERL) oppose Enbridge Gas pipeline proposal," Burlington Post, 2022.
  • Ontario Energy Board.
  • Enbridge Gas.
  • Niagara Escarpment Commission.

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