Toronto – Ontarians can learn more and share their views on TransCanada Ltd.’s Energy East Pipeline project proposed to transport crude oil from Alberta to New Brunswick.
Today, the Ontario Energy Board launched OEB Energy East. The website is the first part of a broad and inclusive consultation with Ontario residents. The website will provide Ontarians with the latest information on the proposal, as well as opportunities to take part in the consultation.
The Board intends to visit a number of communities along the proposed pipeline’s route in early 2014 as part of a two-part consultation with the public, First Nations and Métis communities, local communities and stakeholders.
The Federal Government will decide whether to approve the proposed Energy East Pipeline after a National Energy Board Hearing that is expected to begin in 2014.
As part of the Ontario Government’s participation in the National Energy Board process, the Ontario Minister of Energy formally requested the Board to consult on the following issues regarding the proposed Energy East Pipeline:
- The impacts on Ontario natural gas consumers in terms of rates, reliability and access to supply, especially on those consumers in eastern and northern Ontario.
- The impacts on pipeline safety and on the natural environment in Ontario.
- The impacts on local communities as well as First Nations and Métis communities
- The short and long-term economic impacts of the project in Ontario.
Quick facts
- In Ontario, TransCanada’s proposal involves converting an existing natural gas pipeline to carry crude oil through northern and eastern Ontario, constructing a new section in eastern Ontario to link up with the converted pipeline, and building associated pump stations.
- The Ontario Energy Board’s consultation will inform the Province of Ontario’s own intervention before the National Energy Board.
“We would like this website to be a one-stop-shop for information on the consultation process. Over the course of the consultation, we will be updating this website regularly so that Ontarians can learn about our progress and share their thoughts with the consultation team.” - - Rosemarie T. Leclair, Chair and Chief Executive Officer, Ontario Energy Board