Thompsons Ltd grain elevator in Kent Bridge Ont. (BlackburnNews.com file photo by Simon Crouch) Thompsons Ltd grain elevator in Kent Bridge Ont. (BlackburnNews.com file photo by Simon Crouch)
Sarnia

Understanding Gas Cut Effect

The potential of weaning Ontario off natural gas comes as a huge surprise not only to home owners but to industries that rely on the fuel.

Agricultural economist and farmer Philip Shaw says that includes rural Ontario where farmers are campaigning to extend gas lines to new areas.

He says agriculture is a big user.

"Drying grain and of course greenhouses too we have in the area, so when we heard the news that possibly way in the future the Ontario government might be looking toward phasing out natural gas that was quite a tall drink of water for many here in the agricultural community."

Shaw says he isn't sure what to make of the report, but notes times and technology change and many people remember a time before the internet.

"There was no such thing and now it's just like oxygen and the elimination of natural gas, that seems pretty science fiction right now."

Shaw says it's also difficult to say how seriously the leaked report should be taken because the economic development minister is talking about creating jobs by expanding the natural gas distribution system.

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