South Central Ontario Region…

ERO number

019-8070

Comment ID

95921

Commenting on behalf of

South Central Ontario Region Economic Development Corporation

Comment status

Comment approved More about comment statuses

Comment

South Central Ontario Region Economic Development Corporation submission to ERO # 019-8070

The regulations to exempt energy projects costing between $2 million and $20 million from LTC, if duty-to-consult (DTC) is met will still support the intent of the Energy Board Act, 1998 (OEBA) but also take into consideration mod-ern costs and value of infrastructure. Energy projects of this size often support transit projects, residential communities experiencing growth and investments which provide economic prosperity and support jobs. Access to natural gas is a critical infrastructure component in supporting advanced manufacturing and agricultural operations.

The $2 million cost threshold established in the 90’s is outdated and does not reflect current costs associated with infrastructure projects. The proposed exemption for projects valued between $2 million and $20 million is better aligned with other provinces such as British Columbia, where thresholds are $15 million for electricity and $20 mil-lion for natural gas.

The changes will still support the intent of the Act in ensuring the discharge of the Crown's duty to consult (DTC) is upheld.