FONOM says north ‘needs and deserves’ to be part of potential East-West energy corridor
The idea of developing a new East-West Canadian Energy Corridor is getting ‘strong support’ from the Federation of Northern Ontario Municipalities (FONOM).
The Province of Ontario announced Thursday it has issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) for a feasibility study to examine the potential for such a corridor, stretching from Alberta to Ontario.
Among other things, it would include new pipeline infrastructure.
“This is exactly the kind of nation-building project Northern Ontario needs and deserves to be a part of,” says Danny Whalen, FONOM President. “By including Northern Ontario in this corridor—whether through a deep-sea port on the James Bay coast, expanded refinery capacity, or upgrades to local infrastructure—Ontario is recognizing the North’s vital role in securing the country’s energy future.”
The federation believes the corridor has the potential to deliver transformational benefits for the province and communities in the north.
“FONOM is encouraged by Ontario’s clear recognition that unlocking the full economic potential of this project must include Northern communities,” adds Whalen. “We look forward to working with Premier Ford and Minister Pirie to ensure that our municipalities are meaningfully involved as planning and consultation efforts move ahead.”
Ontario has teamed up with Alberta and Saskatchewan in exploring the potential corridor.
Richard Coffin has been a reporter and news anchor on the radio in North Bay for over 25 years. From premiers to people in the neighbourhood, he enjoys connecting with newsmakers and writing stories that matter to area listeners on a variety of topics including healthcare, education, politics, sports and more.
