Council here will revisit a resolution of support for a proposed solar farm in the municipality.
First Ontario Energy and Bondfield Construction are planning to apply under the Ontario Power Authority’s (OPA) FIT program for approval of a 10-megawatt solar farm on leased property between the 16th Line and Given Road in Minto.
The company requested a resolution of support from council, as municipal support is one of the factors in the approval process.
Council passed the resolution at the March 19 meeting. CAO Bill White noted council’s resolution supporting the project was for the sole purpose of enabling the applicant to receive priority points under the FIT program “and may not be used for the purpose of any other form of municipal approval.”
However, at the May 7 meeting, deputy mayor Terry Fisk presented a notice of intent to introduce a motion calling on council to reconsider its support for the project.
Fisk told the Advertiser he has become “better informed” on the subject since the resolution was passed.
In the interim, council has also received a petition containing about 100 signatures from local residents objecting to the proposal.
The petitioners registered their “shock and dismay” upon learning, through media reports , about the solar farm proposed for Part Lots 13 and 14 on Concession 17.
“To the best of our knowledge and, unlike other municipalities in southern Ontario, there has been no communication or consultation with the residents of Minto, in particular with the owners of properties adjacent to and near the proposed site,” the petition states.
The petition notes the proposed 100-acre “industrial installation” would be located “in the midst of a farming, residential and natural area.”
The petition calls for a public meeting to be held on the proposal.
Council’s support for the proposal was based partly on the understanding the project is to be constructed on Class 4 farmland.
However, Fisk said he has since learned current farmland classifications have been in place for about 50 years and advancements such as tile drainage have made farming more viable on what was once considered poor quality land.
Fisk said there is currently “intensive farming” on the land, which also contains “environmentally sensitive areas.”
Mayor George Bridge agreed land once classified as Class 4 farmland might be considered Class 2 or 3 farmland if reviewed based on existing conditions.
“So Terry wants to take another look at it. I’m okay with that,” Bridge said.
Fisk’s motion to review the resolution of support will be presented at the next Minto council meeting on May 21.
Other projects pending
Jeff Allen, chief operating officer of First Ontario, told council at the March 19 meeting the 10 megawatt solar farm could produce enough energy to power 1,200 homes.
The company is also in talks with landowners for property to locate a 15-megawatt facility in the Palmerston area and has received support in principle from councils in West Grey, South Bruce, Morris-Turnberry and Brockton for projects in those municipalities.
