Enbridge updates Boblo residents on natural gas project at BBQ

Mayor Michael Prue shares a laugh with Allan Greig from Enbridge during the latter’s barbecue on Boblo Island recently.

Residents of Bois Blanc (Boblo) Island received an update on where the natural gas expansion project is at.

Enbridge held a barbecue and meet-and-greet on the island where residents got a chance to hear what progress is being made in getting their homes natural gas. Peter Dunn, an island resident, said he pursued the matter with Amico, the developers of the island, and was granted the OK to proceed. He reached out to Enbridge and the ball got rolling in 2021.

Dunn said his home, like many others, are heated via propane. Other homes have heat pumps or other systems to heat their homes.

Propane trucks have to make trips to Bois Blanc Island, sometimes facing challenges boarding the ferry due to water levels, Dunn explained. Having a natural gas line extend under the Detroit River to the island will benefit many, he believed.

There are some that are sticking with the current methods of heating their homes, but others are excited for the switch as it will allow for lower heating costs and removal of propane tanks.

“Once you get natural gas, it will be a huge savings,” he said. “Most people are excited to have it brought over.”

Dunn said he was not allowed to have a fire pit in his backyard due to the propane tank that is sitting in the yard. Removal of the tank will allow the approval for a fire pit, he indicated.

“Enbridge Gas is proposing to construct the Boblo Island Community Expansion Project to provide natural gas service to approximately 377 customers in the community of Boblo Island,” said Megan Shannon, advisor of municipal and stakeholder engagement with Enbridge.

Shannon said planning for this project began in January 2023 after the Ontario Government announced funding for 27 community expansion/economic development projects under Phase Two of the Natural Gas Expansion Support Program. Boblo Island was one of the selected projects, she pointed out.

 “The proposed project will include the construction of approximately 2.9 km of new natural gas pipeline consisting of a combination of 2” and 4” polyethene and steel pipeline, including an approximate 600-meter crossing of the Detroit River,” said Shannon. “Construction will begin once we have received approval from the Ontario Energy Board and construction is anticipated to be completed for the north end of Boblo Island by Q1 2026. Construction for the south side of Boblo Island would then start after.”

Mayor Michael Prue, also an island resident, said he was happy Enbridge is planning to extend natural gas service.

“Residents are thrilled natural gas is coming here,” said Prue. “It’s going to solve a number of problems.”

Prue said when the ferry has had extended outages in the winter, there were residents who turned down their heat to preserve their propane supply.

“That’s one of the things about natural gas, you never have to worry about that,” he said.

Prue added it would have a positive impact on home re-sale values and would also cut costs for residents.

Calling Enbridge “a model citizen,” the mayor added the company has made several donations over the years including a recent grant for a park project at Jack Purdie Park as well as annual sponsorships of the River Lights Winter Festival.

Enbridge updates Boblo residents on natural gas project at BBQ

By Ron Giofu