Doctor speaks out, raises alarm over gas plant expansion plans

Brandon — A retired physician is cautioning against Manitoba Hydro's proposed gas plant expansion in the city and the potential health impacts of climate change. Dr. Scott Blyth, a family physician for over four decades, asserts that long-term exposure to gas presents health risks, stating, "A simple answer, the plant should not be built because of the potential health risks."

The $3-billion project, unveiled in November, encompasses new combustion turbines, electrical transmission and distribution upgrades, and a new natural gas pipeline. Located in Brandon's east end, the expansion would serve the city's over 50,000 residents. Manitoba Hydro maintains that the expansion is essential to meet growing power demand. The corporation projects electricity demand could surpass capacity by 2029.

Blyth highlights the health concerns associated with natural gas, emphasizing that burning it releases methane, nitrogen dioxide, and sulfur dioxides. These pollutants can trigger inflammatory responses leading to heart attacks, strokes, respiratory issues like asthma and chronic bronchitis, and cancer-causing carcinogens. He also points to links between climate change and cognitive disorders such as dementia.

Blyth, member of the Canadian Association of Physicians for the Environment, urges the province to invest in wind, solar, and battery storage instead. The association is pushing for a shift away from natural gas expansion, citing the potential for harmful pollution to affect Brandon's population.

Manitoba Hydro states that the added combustion turbines will only operate at an average of five percent of the time, with non-fossil fuel sources continuing to generate the majority of the province's electricity. Environment and Climate Change Minister Mike Moyes confirms the project will undergo a comprehensive review process due to its Class 3 development status.