South Glengarry — Ontario’s Government is working to lower heating costs, create jobs and make businesses more competitive by expanding natural gas in Stormont-Dundas-South Glengarry.

MPP Jim McDonell made the announcement that Cornwall Island is anticipated to be hooked up to natural gas service as a result of the program.

“For families in rural Ontario, the savings are significant,” said Minister of Infrastructure Monte McNaughton. “Lowering energy costs will help make life more affordable for people who need it.”

The government’s new program is intended to enable natural gas expansion in SDSG, including the community of Cornwall Island. This project will serve customers in the Akwesasne First Nation on Cornwall Island.

“This is an important announcement for the riding,” said MPP Jim McDonell. “People in this community deserve to have access to affordable natural gas to heat their homes. This will put a bit more money back in their pockets. The program is a great example of how the reduction in red tape provides benefits for the businesses and residents of Ontario.”

Switching from propane, electrical heat or oil to natural gas can also save an average residential customer between $800 and $2,500 a year.

“The Natural Gas Expansion Support Program will help businesses in rural and Northern Ontario, including First Nations, cut energy costs, improve their competitiveness and attract more investment,” said Greg Rickford, Minister of Energy, Northern Development and Mines. “It will also help expand the natural gas distribution network to households, making life more affordable for families.”

“The extension of natural gas to Cornwall Island highlights the benefits of partnerships between government and business at work,” said Mohawk Council of Akwesasne Grand Chief Abram Benedict. “We have an abundance of natural gas in Canada, and this program allows more people to benefit from this cheap, clean source of energy.”