Ontario Pipeline Coordinating Committee

Our Ontario Pipeline Coordinating Committee acts as an important bridge with industry, to coordinate various activities involving natural gas pipelines in the province.

What does the Ontario Pipeline Coordinating Committee do?

The Ontario Pipeline Coordinating Committee coordinates the review of natural gas projects in Ontario that require Ontario Energy Board approval – such as pipeline construction and projects related to the storage of natural gas in geological formations. It reviews environmental assessments, considers reports prepared by the energy companies and raises any concerns with applicants before they submit their applications to the Ontario Energy Board. The Committee’s mandate and the

Our Ontario Pipeline Coordinating Committee acts as an important bridge with industry, to coordinate various activities involving natural gas pipelines in the province.

What does the Ontario Pipeline Coordinating Committee do?

The Ontario Pipeline Coordinating Committee coordinates the review of natural gas projects in Ontario that require Ontario Energy Board approval – such as pipeline construction and projects related to the storage of natural gas in geological formations. It reviews environmental assessments, considers reports prepared by the energy companies and raises any concerns with applicants before they submit their applications to the Ontario Energy Board. The Committee’s mandate and the steps in its review process are set in the OEB Environmental Guidelines for Hydrocarbon Pipelines and Facilities in Ontario.

  • You cannot leave comment in this blogpost unless you are a part of the project panel.

    OEB Launches Project to Update Environmental Guidelines for Location, Construction and Operation of Hydrocarbon Pipelines and Facilities in Ontario

    Today, October 6, 2022, Ontario Energy Board (OEB) staff has initiated a project (Project) to update the OEB’s Environmental Guidelines for the Location, Construction and Operation of Hydrocarbon Pipelines and Facilities in Ontario, 7th Edition 2016 (Environmental Guidelines). Click here to view the letter.

    The Environmental Guidelines provide direction to parties applying for hydrocarbon pipeline and natural gas storage related approvals from the OEB. Contents of the Environmental Guidelines include the planning requirements for locating new facilities, the mitigation required for construction of these projects, and the process for review and approval of the environmental reports which are produced.

    The Environmental Guidelines were last updated in 2016. The current update is intended to (a) clarify Ontario Pipeline Coordinating Committee (OPCC) member roles and requirements and (b) to generally address the passage of time.

  • You cannot leave comment in this blogpost unless you are a part of the project panel.

    OEB Announces Membership to Ontario Pipeline Coordinating Committee

    The Committee is made up of government ministries and agencies that have a role in reviewing natural gas transmission and distribution facility projects. It is chaired by a staff member from the Ontario Energy Board.

    • Zora Crnojacki (Chair), Ontario Energy Board
    • Helma Geerts, Ministry of Agriculture and Food, Ministry of Rural Affairs
    • Karla Barboza, Ministry of Heritage Sport Tourism and Culture Industries
    • Tony Difabio, Ministry of Transportation
    • Kourosh Manouchehri, Technical Standards and Safety Authority
    • Keith Johnston, Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry
    • Maya Harris, Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing
    • Michelle Knieriem, Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing, Western Municipal Services Office
    • Michael Elms, Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing, Eastern Municipal Services Office
    • Bridget Schulte-Hostedde, Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing, Municipal Services Office - North (Sudbury)
    • Representative to be assigned, Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing, Municipal Services Office - North (Thunder Bay)
    • Katy Potter, Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks (MECP), Environmental Assessment Branch
    • Amy Gibson, Ministry of Energy
    • Cory Ostrowka, Infrastructure Ontario
    • Jennifer Moulton, Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks (Source Protection Program Branch)

    *List updated as of November 2, 2022

Page last updated: 08 Nov 2022, 01:30 PM