Union Gas will spend $105.7M to build new pipeline in Kingsville

Union Gas will spend nearly $106 million to build new a pipeline in the Kingsville area to meet the needs of residents, industry and a fast-growing greenhouse market. “It’s been based on the existing greenhouse demand and the growth that was being anticipated throughout Kingsville, Leamington, even the Chatham-Kent area,” said Kingsville Mayor Nelson Santos.

“It’s covering future growth across the board, not just one sector.”

Union Gas said the 19-kilometre stretch of 20-inch diameter pipeline will cost $105.7 million. Construction is scheduled to begin in the summer of 2019. The pipeline should be in service by the end of next year.

The new line will tie into the company’s existing Panhandle Pipeline System between Belle River Road, also known as County Road 27, and Lakeshore Road 223 in Lakeshore. It will end at a new valve site near Concession Road 3 East and Graham Side Road in Kingsville. Union Gas said the new pipeline will serve the Leamington and Kingsville greenhouse market, which is “growing fast,” and help satisfy increased demand from residential, commercial and industrial customers in Windsor-Essex, Chatham-Kent and surrounding areas.

Union Gas spokesperson Andrea Stass said the project is not tied to any anticipated increase in demand from greenhouses after marijuana is legalized next month. She said the plan has been in the works for a couple of years with an environmental assessment, and community and stakeholder consultations.

“But it will be serving greenhouses in Kingsville and that surrounding area,” said Stass. “It’s also serving general growth as well. So just growth in housing and other businesses. It’s a dual purpose.” It has been a “rapidly growing area” for the last five or 10 years,” she said.

“We did an expansion last year in Leamington, and this is the second one for serving that Kingsville area,” said Stass.