That West Elgin Council hereby directs staff to submit the following comments to the Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO) re Long-Term RFP Community Engagement:
WhereasIn 2018, when the Green Energy Act was repealed by the current Provincial Government, the purpose of repealing the act was stated by then Energy Minister Rickford as “….restoring planning decisions to Municipalities, ensuring local voices have the final say on energy projects in their communities”.
And Whereas in follow-up to this change in the Green Energy act, as the Municipality of West Elgin revises its Official Plan, we are taking steps to clarify our stance on renewable energy installations within our community.
And Whereas the Municipality of West Elgin currently has an interim control bylaw in place to put a hold on any renewable energy projects, until our Official Plan research and revisions are complete.
Now Therefore it must be clear in the IESO guidance documents that a Support Resolution from the Municipality where the development is proposed, is a mandatory requirement to be awarded a contract.
And Furthermore local planning decisions must be adhered to, for any potential energy development to be successful. The guidance documents are not clear whether a Municipal Support Resolution is mandatory for a contract to be awarded.
And Furthermore Local Indigenous communities, that is those whose Treaty Lands a development is being proposed, must be consulted and must be in support of the development. Indigenous Financial Support from communities located hundreds of kilometers away, is not acceptable.
And that this resolution be sent to MPP Rob Flack.