Union Gas Begins Construction in Red Lake

Project will bring affordable natural gas service to local communities

RED LAKE, ON, June 11, 2012 /CNW/ - Construction is now underway on the second phase of a Union Gas pipeline project that will soon deliver natural gas service to residents and businesses in Red Lake, Balmertown, Cochenour and Chukuni River. Phase one of the project, to serve the Goldcorp mine sites began in 2011.

The two stage project was approved by the Ontario Energy Board in July 2011, following an extensive environmental assessment and consultation process.

"Union Gas has been delivering affordable, clean and reliable natural gas to over 400 communities in Ontario for more than a century," said Steve Baker, president of Union Gas. "We have a passionate commitment to maintaining the highest standards of safety and building vibrant communities and we're proud of our longstanding community partnerships.  On behalf of the 2,200 employees at Union Gas, we are delighted to continue to grow our relationship in Northern Ontario and look to the future with energy and enthusiasm."

"The Municipality of Red Lake is one of largest communities in Ontario that was not serviced by natural gas," said Brian Anderson, CAO of the Corporation of the Municipality of Red Lake. "The availability of affordable natural gas presents an opportunity to significantly reduce energy costs for local citizens and businesses and drive economic development and job creation."

Natural gas can save consumers 50 to 70 per cent compared to electricity, fuel oil and propane.

"Construction on the transmission and distribution pipelines is underway and we are working on marketing and community outreach plans, which will include community open houses to be held this summer," said Ian Ross, Union Gas district manager for Northwestern Ontario. "These sessions will provide residents with an opportunity to learn more about Union Gas and obtain information about the process of applying for gas service."

Community open houses will be held at the Couchenor Arena on June 27, 7-9 p.m., June 28, 2-4 p.m., July 11, 7-9 p.m. and July 12, 2-4 p.m.  For more information and to register to attend an open house, visit uniongas.com/redlake.

Applications will be gathered and processed through the summer months and the installation of gas services at homes and businesses will begin in late summer. Weather permitting; gas service to homes and businesses will begin in the fall.

Link Line, Union Gas' experienced construction alliance partner, is working closely with the company on the project. Throughout it, the company's goal is environmental conservation and minimizing the impact of construction on the surrounding environment. For example, where practical, pipelines will be installed using an underground drilling technique that minimizes surface disturbance.

"Union Gas will use as many local resources as practical to build the pipeline and where possible will procure materials from the local community," added Ross. "The local community will also benefit from property taxes Union Gas will pay every year to the municipality on the new pipeline infrastructure."

Over the past century, Union Gas has been privileged to work in more than 400 Ontario communities. In addition to natural gas delivery services for homes and businesses, Union Gas has contributed to the province through significant economic investments, hundreds of jobs, millions in municipal taxes, energy efficiency programs, thousands of volunteer hours helping community organizations, major charitable giving and sponsorships. Last year alone, Union Gas and its employees contributed $3 million to charitable organizations across Ontario, including more than $900,000 to United Way. For more information visit uniongas.com/community.

About Union Gas

Union Gas Limited is a major Canadian natural gas storage, transmission and distribution company based in Ontario with 100 years of experience and service to customers. The distribution business serves about 1.4 million residential, commercial and industrial customers in more than 400 communities across northern, southwestern and eastern Ontario. Union Gas, named one of Canada's Top 100 Employers and one of Canada's Greenest Employers for 2012, is a Spectra Energy (NYSE: SE) company with assets of $5.8 billion and approximately 2,200 employees. For more information, visit uniongas.com.

Union Gas Limited 
Andrea Stass
Manager, External Communications and Media Relations
Ph: 519 436-5490 or 1-800-571-8446 ext. 5490
Cell: 519 365-1010
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[email protected]