A $75-million natural gas energy project is on the table in Sault Ste. Marie, with plans for three gas plants potentially reshaping the city's energy landscape. If approved, these facilities could be operational by 2031, marking a significant investment in local infrastructure. But what does this mean for the community? Let's dive in.
City councillors will be asked to give their preliminary support to this project, spearheaded by Northern Ontario Capacity (NOC), a Canadian company teaming up with local contractors Beamish Construction Inc. and Pioneer Construction. The project proposes to build two 9.9-megawatt gas plants on Great Northern Road, with a third on Fifth Line East. This could bring about 20 construction jobs and, once operational, sustain five ongoing positions.
Here's a breakdown of the proposed locations:
'Brandes': Located on the east side of Great Northern Road, north of Schultz Side Road. The area is mainly zoned for Rural Aggregate Extraction, with smaller portions designated for Rural Area and Environmental Management along the Root River. Hydro One's transmission line is planned to run along the property's frontage.
See AlsoVenezuela Denounces US Forced Sale of Citgo Oil Company - Oil Sanctions ExplainedPipelines, Policy, and Power: Alberta–Ottawa MOU Explained for YouTubeAlberta Premier Danielle Smith Faces Backlash Over Pipeline Deal at UCP Convention | Canada NewsNatural Gas, WTI & Brent Oil Forecasts: Impact of Ukrainian Drone Attacks on Russian Tankers'McQueen': Situated at 224 Fifth Line East, at the northeast corner of Fifth Line and Old Goulais Bay Road. This site is primarily surrounded by aggregate pits.
'Snowdump': Found on the east side of Great Northern Road, south of Sixth Line. The property is largely zoned for Rural Aggregate Extraction, with a small portion for Environmental Management along the Root River. The western part of the property is currently used as a private snow dump.
The NOC's proposal responds to a request from Ontario's Independent Electric System Operator (IESO) for new electricity supply and storage to meet the province's needs into the 2030s. IESO is expected to announce the successful projects in Q2 of 2026. NOC has already secured the necessary properties through lease options, but all three sites will need city council approval for rezoning and official plan amendments. Even if the council provides support, it doesn't guarantee future approvals.
And this is the part most people miss... NOC hasn't yet disclosed its community engagement strategy, waiting until it secures an IESO contract. The city's manager of business attraction, Joe Turpin, points out that the project will increase greenhouse gas emissions. Each facility is estimated to produce under 9,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent (CO₂e) over its lifespan. Natural gas, a fossil fuel, will contribute to the city's overall emissions, which have been increasing. However, the proponent has indicated the facilities are designed to accommodate lower-carbon fuels like renewable natural gas and hydrogen as supply chains evolve. But the availability, cost, and timelines for these alternative fuels remain uncertain.
But here's where it gets controversial...
What are your thoughts on this project? Do you agree with the potential benefits, or are you concerned about the environmental impact? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
For context, here are some other recent energy project proposals in Sault Ste. Marie:
- Samsung wants to develop a 12-acre industrial site.
- A $750-million development proposed behind Jack's Chicken & Fish.
- City support sought for local energy projects worth a billion dollars.
- PUC wants large-scale solar projects to be built in the west end.
Interested in learning more? Watch the city council meeting live on SooToday starting at 5 p.m.
