Project Overview
Enbridge Gas is proposing to build a new 4-inch and 2-inch polyethylene (plastic) pipeline to supply the community of Washago in the Township of Severn, Ontario with safe and reliable natural gas.
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The Preferred Route
Identification of the Preferred Route
Through the environmental study and ongoing consultation with the public, stakeholders, and Indigenous communities, Enbridge Gas and Dillon have selected the Preliminary Preferred Route (PPR) as the Preferred Route for the Project.
Phase 1 of the Project involves the Preferred Route tying into the existing Enbridge Gas network at Goldstein Road near Highway 11, potential upgrades to an existing station on New Brailey Line and installing a 3 km gas pipeline along Agnew Road from Goldstein to Shoreview Drive, crossing Highway 11. Distribution pipelines will be installed within the Township of Severn, around Lake Saint George, and Shoreview Drive around Highway 11. Phase 1 is approximately 9 km of 2-inch and 4-inch pipelines.
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Phase 2 of the Project involves installing a new station near Graham Road and Pasture Lane, connecting to TC Energy's existing pipeline. Approximately 5 km of gas pipeline is proposed along Graham Road, Southwood Road, Severn River Road, Trent Trail, Canal Road, Cooper Falls Road, and Muskoka Street, with a crossing of the Severn River near the Canadian National Railway bridge. An additional 5 km is proposed within the distribution areas. Phase 2 is approximately 10 km of 2-inch and 4-inch pipelines.
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Phase 3 (Eastern Section) involves the Preferred Route continuing on Muskoka Street from Phase 2 into the community of Washago and installation of distribution mains within the community. Phase 3 is approximately 4 km of 2-inch and 4-inch pipelines.
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The Project will be located mainly within the municipal right-of-way, and may require easements, working space, and lay-down areas during construction.
Enbridge Gas has retained Dillon Consulting Limited to undertake a pipeline route selection and environmental study for the Project. The study is being conducted in accordance with the Ontario Energy Board (OEB) Environmental Guidelines for the Location, Construction, and Operation of Hydrocarbon Projects and Facilities in Ontario, 8th Edition (2023).
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The study will review the need and justification for the Project; describe the existing environment (built, natural, socio-economic, and cultural); identify and assess potential adverse environmental impacts including cumulative effects; describe reasonable measures to avoid, minimize, and mitigate adverse impacts; evaluate the potential routes; and select the preferred route.
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Once the study is complete, Enbridge Gas plans to file a Leave-to-Construct application with the OEB in 2025. Pending receipt of all approvals, construction may begin in late 2026.
