South Bruce Peninsula council is taking a step towards bringing natural gas to the community of Allenford.
Council voted 3-1 to endorse an application by Union Gas to run a pipeline to the small community located on Hwy. 21 between Owen Sound and Saugeen First Nation.
The move follows a failed attempt to gain council support earlier this month and Mayor Janice Jackson says it's a relief to have council's endorsement as they attempt to get the proposal off the ground.
Council also voted 4-0 to accept a contribution from Allenford-based developer Barry Kruisselbrink of Barry's Construction, who Jackson says has verbally offered to cover the $10,000 municipal contribution requested by Union Gas, after council balked at using municipal funds.
She says they will immediately begin the process of putting together a formal agreement with Kruisselbrink.
"We will sit down at the table with him and draw it up, it's just a matter of putting pen to paper and everything will be fine," says Jackson. "I have no doubt whatsoever that Mr. Kruisselbrink will come forward with this donation and everything is going to be great."
Jackson says Union Gas will now apply to the provincial government for a grant to help cover the construction costs and if successful, will then apply to the Ontario Energy Board for final approval.
The application proposes to run a natural gas pipeline north from Tara along Bruce Rd. 10, servicing Allenford's homes and businesses along Hwy. 21 and several side streets.