The Study
Enbridge Gas Ontario (Enbridge Gas) has retained Dillon Consulting Limited (Dillon) to conduct an environmental study to support the proposed Washago Community Expansion Project (the Project) to supply the community of Washago in the Township of Severn, Ontario with safe and reliable natural gas.
The Project is divided into three phases. Phase 1 of the Project involves the preliminary preferred route (PPR) 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. The alternative route follows the same tie-in point but runs adjacent to Highway 11 before ending at the same location as the PPR. Phase 1 is approximately 9 km of 2-inch and 4-inch pipelines.
Phase 2 includes the PPR, which proposes installing a new station near Graham Road and Pasture Lane, connecting to TC Energy’s 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. The alternative route proposes an alternate crossing of the Severn River at the Ministry of Transportation owned and operated bridge. Phase 2 is approximately 10 km of 2-inch and 4- inch pipelines.
Phase 3 (Eastern Section) involves the PPR 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 with an additional potential 12 km being assessed within the environmental study. No alternative routes are proposed in this phase, as all piping is for local distribution within the community.
The Process
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).
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.
Once the study is complete, Enbridge Gas plans to file a Leave-to-Construct application with the OEB in 2025. If approved, construction may begin in late 2026.
Project Contacts
Cale Hartin
Advisor, Environment
Enbridge Gas Inc.
2571 Lancaster Rd
Ottawa, ON K1B 4L5
Alissa Lee
Project Manager
Dillon Consulting Limited
177 Colonnade Rd S, Suite 101
Ottawa, ON K2E 7J4
Project Email: [email protected]
Invitation to the Community
Stakeholder consultation and Indigenous engagement will be a key component of this study. Enbridge Gas and Dillon are hosting an in-person drop-in style public information session and virtual public information session to provide you with an opportunity to review the study area, ask questions, and provide input. Members of the public, regulatory agencies, Indigenous communities, and other interested persons are invited to participate.
In-Person Public Information Session
Location: Washago Lions Club
4343 Hamilton Street, Washago, ON
Date and Time: April 17, 2025
4:30 pm – 7:30 pm
Virtual Public Information Session: www.WashagoEA.com
The website will be live for two weeks, from Monday, April 14, 2025 to Sunday, April 27, 2025.
Representatives from Enbridge Gas and Dillon will be in attendance to discuss the Project and answer questions. Your input will be used to confirm the preferred route and inform mitigation plans that may be implemented during construction. If you are interested in participating, or would like to provide comments, please attend the meeting or contact one of the individuals listed in this notice. The last day to submit comments for consideration in the environmental study is May 17, 2025. After this date, comments will still be accepted and may be integrated into project planning, as applicable.
