Questions remain about the local impact of Ontario’s proposed Northern Shield Energy Corridor, including exactly where land would be needed if the project moves ahead.
The province unveiled a proposed high-level route this week for a 3,300-kilometre crude oil pipeline from Hardisty, Alberta to Sarnia. The project would move an estimated 500,000 barrels of oil per day, with the potential to expand to 800,000 barrels per day.
The province says the pipeline would strengthen Canadian energy security, support job,s and reduce reliance on foreign markets. But in Midwestern Ontario, the public map has raised questions about whether the route could cross parts of Bruce, Grey, Huron, Perth, or Wellington counties.
Huron-Bruce MPP and Rural Affairs Minister Lisa Thompson told CKNXNewsToday.ca the proposal is still in the very early stages.
"No, to be honest, this is very preliminary," Thompson said, when asked if she had seen a more detailed proposed route than the public map.
Thompson said the announcement is based on a study that shows Canada has the capacity to build more of its own energy infrastructure.
"We need to have more sovereignty, if you will, over our energy infrastructure," Thompson said.
She said the proposed pathway could go through Huron-Bruce, but stressed no final route has been set.
"At this time, the proposed pathway through the Ernst & Young study, and this is very preliminary, it will perhaps be through Huron-Bruce," Thompson said.
When asked whether rural landowners deserve more detailed route information before being asked to support the project, Thompson said those questions are still ahead.
"Oh my goodness, ask me that question in 18 months," Thompson said. "Right now we have just received the study that shows that we have the capacity to build our own energy infrastructure."
Thompson was also asked what she would say to a farmer who may be looking at the map and wondering whether the line crosses their property.
"They can trust that they have an MPP in Huron-Bruce that will make sure that when it’s available and appropriate to do so, we will have the right information," Thompson said.
She added local voices will need to be heard as the process moves forward.
"As this process evolves and really gets rolling, I’m going to ensure that our voices and realities are very well understood and respected," Thompson said.
Thompson was also pressed on whether there is any part of the proposal that concerns her at this stage, including the possibility of land expropriation if the project moves forward.
"With all due respect, we cannot get the cart ahead of the horse," Thompson said. "There is so much work to do even before we get granular in what it means on a jurisdictional basis, riding by riding."
She said when more details are available, the province will need to be transparent.
"We’re going to have open dialogue, everything will be transparent, and people can trust that their voice will be heard," Thompson said.
Other local MPPs are also pointing to the early stage of the process.
Bruce-Grey-Owen Sound MPP Paul Vickers said he was briefed by the Ministry, but final decisions on the exact route and timeline have not been made. Vickers said the proposed route would enter the southeastern part of his riding, though the exact route has not been finalized.
He said municipalities will be included in consultations, along with First Nations partners and communities.
Perth-Wellington MPP Matthew Rae’s office also said the route remains subject to further analysis and consultation. Rae said more details will be released once the feasibility study is complete, which is expected by the end of 2026.
The Ministry of Infrastructure gave a similar response to CKNXNewsToday.ca, saying the released map is only a high-level overview and further details will come after the feasibility work is complete.
The province says consultation has begun, including its duty to consult with Indigenous partners and communities.
The feasibility study is expected to be completed by the end of the year.
