RM of Victoria Reeve Harold Purkess says they're making good progress on consultation on the expansion of the Centra Gas natural gas line. The line would run south of the Trans-Canada Highway through MacGregor, and down to the American border. Purkess says they've been meeting with all in the region, in an effort to gauge support for the project. Once those consultations are done, they'll be able to provide a better picture of just what the project will entail. 

Reeve Harold Purkess

"If Manitoba can come up with an accurate design, we'll have a better handle on what the price is going to be. Then, we can go back and break it down to see if there's still interest in proceeding with the cost."

Purkess says in conversations with colonies, schools, businesses and homeowners, it seems many in the area are quite interested in pursuing the opportunity.

"It's been very strong, especially with the bigger shops and businesses. With Hydro expected to double in the next ten years, it's making gas look very attractive."

Purkess says it's vital they move forward with the process quickly, noting the provincial ban on the use of coal for personal heating comes into effect June 30, 2017.

"We have to try and keep the momentum going. The coal ban is just around the corner, so hopefully the coal users can get an extension providing they're going to be hooking to natural gas in the next year or so, and that's what we're hoping will happen. In order to accommodate that we need to keep moving as quickly as we possibly can."

He anticipates a report including the public interest and rough cost estimate will be coming later this year.