Prowind hosting public information meeting at Harriston arena June 25

HARRISTON – Prowind Canada and the Oxford Community Energy Co-operative are inviting Minto residents to attend a public community information meeting on June 25 to learn more about potential renewable energy opportunities in the area.

A press release states, “Ontario is forecasting significant growth in electricity demand over the coming decades as the province continues to grow and electrify. 

“Through upcoming procurement processes … Ontario is seeking new sources of electricity generation to help maintain a reliable and diverse electricity system while keeping costs competitive for consumers.”

Projects of this nature, the release adds, also help ensure the economic opportunities associated with the province’s electrification and growth are shared across the province, allowing rural communities to actively participate in this broader transition – rather than seeing the value concentrated primarily in urban centres.

The meeting will be held at the Harriston Arena and Community Complex from 4 to 6pm, and will provide information, answer questions and give Prowind and the Oxford Community Energy Co-operative the chance to hear directly from community members before any detailed project plans are developed.

“This engagement is intended as an early-stage, informational conversation to ensure residents have direct access to context and can hear from a project team before any detailed proposals are developed or decisions are made,” the release states. 

At the meeting, the following information will be provided:

– Prowind Canada and its experience in renewable energy development;

– Oxford Community Energy Co-operative and its community ownership model;

– how renewable energy projects are developed in Ontario;

– potential opportunities for wind and/or solar energy development in the region;

– what steps would be required before any project could move forward;

– how community feedback will be considered as future opportunities are evaluated; and

– potential local benefits, including community participation, local investment, municipal revenue, economic activity and opportunities for long-term community involvement.

The meeting is intended to be open, respectful and transparent, say organizers. 

“We want residents to have the opportunity to ask direct questions and receive honest answers,” they add.