November 28, 2011

Parry Sound Area Community Business & Development Centre Inc., Parry Sound 

As early as 1960, local councils and economic development agencies had fought to make natural gas a reality in Parry Sound.  For 30 years, it never happened.

Eventually, the price of natural gas and its ability to outperform oil or electricity, made it a necessity for growth.  The Parry Sound Area Community Business & Development Centre rose to the challenge of bringing the private sector and three levels of government to the table.  “Once and for all, we were going to ‘git ’er done’," says PSCBDC Manager Bill Spinney. 

The challenge was rock – Parry Sound sits on the shore of Georgian Bay, surrounded by the world’s largest fresh water archipelago.  “The hard rock made the 65 kilometres to the nearest natural gas line all the more challenging,” Bill explains. 

An abandoned rail line was the solution.  Gas lines were installed along the now Seguin Recreation Trail.  With funding from many partnerships, natural gas arrived in 1999.   

Photo:  Parry Sound