“We are in the process of applying,” said Mayor Kirby during a telephone interview April 9. “We are the only municipality in Prescott-Russell that has no natural gas (service), and we’re 45 minutes from Montréal.”

Enbridge Gas Distribution Inc. invited the municipality to submit a proposal request for natural gas service to its area as part of the company’s overall project planning process. The best and most profitable main line extension route for Enbridge, Kirby noted, would be along Front Road in Chute-à-Blondeau. “That’s where there’s the most population,” he said.

The municipality has inquired before without success about the possibility of being part of Enbridge’s future natural gas expansion plans. “I’ve been working on this issue for 12 years at least,” said Mayor Kirby, “to try and get us natural gas. Natural gas would be a big economic boost for us.”

The mayor noted that most inquiries to the municipality from potential commercial developers is whether natural gas service is available. He expressed cautious optimism about the municipality’s chances now of becoming part of Enbridge’s future extension plans.

“This is the first time we’ve been invited,” Kirby said about the proposal submission. “At least we’ll be at the table.”