In the year since the powers were granted, most mayors have used them sparingly — if at all — though in some corners a sense of unease with the sweeping authority remains.

Announced on July 22, the news was part of a broader announcement that sees the province top up its trades-training fund by a further $260 million.

The planned phase-out of heating oil would be paired with more financial support for Canadians to purchase and install heat pumps instead.

MacKinnon had served as the Liberals' chief whip in the House of Commons. And during the COVID-19 pandemic, he was a parliamentary secretary in the crucial procurement portfolio.

The 19-kilometre pipeline project is expected to secure approximately 7,000 jobs, and enable $4.5 billion of investment opportunities in the province.