The town of Woodlands will soon have natural gas available as a resource thanks to an expansion of a commercial business in the area. RM of Woodlands reeve Trevor King explains the project.

"What's happening is a commercial business is expanding just south of the town of Woodlands and that business along with Manitoba Hydro, have put a significant investment into bringing the natural gas line from the town of Warren up to Woodlands.. The line is actually going to go into the rural areas somewhat and into the town to make hook up available for some of the residents there."

King says it's a great opportunity for the town.

"It wasn't a hard decision at all. It's a great opportunity for any new housing developments that may come along in Woodlands, for gas to be an alternative energy source for the residents, as well as some of the businesses. It's a great opportunity for us and it's relatively affordable so we thought we should jump at it."

He says the project should be finished in 2016.

"It's looking like it will probably be ready by fall that the installation is done. The commercial business is set up to open in July, so they'll definitely have it operating at that time, then they just have to extend the line into the town."

He notes the RM will invest $60,000 for the project which will be taken from their economic development reserve, but the majority of the cost will be covered by Manitoba Hydro.