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McGuinty won't say how much it would cost to scrap gas-fired plant

Published on October 5, 2011; Published on September 26, 2011

TORONTO - Ontario Premier Dalton McGuinty won't say how much it will cost to scrap a gas-fired plant that is quickly becoming a hot-button election issue.

Taking questions about the decision today, McGuinty wouldn't even offer a ballpark estimate of the cost, saying it is "the subject of continuing conversation."

The Liberals quietly pledged this weekend to cancel construction of the 280-megawatt natural gas-powered facility in Mississauga, Ont.

The local community has opposed the project since it was announced six years ago, but McGuinty says a changing population and lower demand for power prompted his decision now.

McGuinty's political rivals are slamming the move just days before the Oct. 6 election as an attempt to save Liberal seats.

The government spiked a similar project in neighbouring Oakville almost a year ago, but McGuinty couldn't put a figure on that cost to taxpayers either.