Here’s a shocking truth: Enbridge Gas has been granted free access to public land in Ontario for installing natural gas pipelines, while other Canadian provinces charge hefty fees for the same privilege. But why does Ontario give Enbridge a free pass, and what’s changing now?
Before diving into this week’s eye-opening story, let’s celebrate a quick win: The Narwhal is 80% closer to our $200,000 fundraising goal this month! Hundreds of readers are backing independent journalism that holds governments and corporations accountable—will you join this movement? Donate now and double your impact—every dollar is matched today!
Now, let’s talk energy in Ontario. A few months ago, our reporter Fatima Syed uncovered something startling: most Ontario municipalities have signed agreements allowing Enbridge Gas to use public land for pipelines—free of charge. But here’s where it gets controversial: While provinces like British Columbia and Alberta permit municipalities to charge fees (earning them millions annually), Ontario prohibits this, labeling natural gas a ‘public good.’ But as the world shifts away from fossil fuels, two Ontario municipalities are pushing back.
Fatima’s relentless investigation since 2019—filing FOIs, cultivating sources, and deciphering complex agreements—paid off this week. The Waterloo Regional Municipality (including Waterloo, Kitchener, and Cambridge) refused to renew its 20-year agreement with Enbridge, and Guelph took similar action last year, defying provincial law. And this is the part most people miss: These municipalities are questioning decades-old agreements, calling them a ‘historical hangover’ from an era when utilities were public. As Guelph Councillor Leanne Caron puts it, ‘We’ve signed these agreements like zombies because we were led to believe we had no choice.’
Fatima’s story has already been picked up by local papers, sparking conversations about a potential shift in Ontario’s energy policy. Our tiny Ontario bureau—just three reporters—has been relentless since 2021, tracking the province’s energy and environmental moves and holding Premier Doug Ford accountable. Last year, we even won Canada’s prestigious Michener Award for exposing Ford’s Greenbelt development plans, which he later reversed.
But here’s the bigger question: As Ontario consolidates conservation authorities and fast-tracks environmental approvals for projects like the Darlington Nuclear expansion and Ring of Fire mining, who’s watching the watchers? The Narwhal is—and we won’t stop. But we need your help. Donate now to keep us digging, and your gift will be matched until Dec. 31.
Speaking of accountability, our biodiversity reporter Ainslie Cruickshank revealed this week that Alberta officials delayed releasing research on coal mine pollution and silenced the scientist behind it. Meanwhile, B.C. isn’t even producing peer-reviewed studies on the issue. Is this a pattern of governments prioritizing industry over transparency? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.
This week in The Narwhal:
- A logging blockade in Alberta’s Rockies is uniting defenders of clean water. Read more
- Manitoba’s decade-long fight over a controversial mining project continues. Read more
- B.C.’s flood response funding gaps leave communities vulnerable. Read more
Stay informed, stay curious, and keep holding power to account.
Take care,
Elaine Anselmi
Ontario Bureau Chief
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