South Frontenac Council

Wilma Kenny | Jun 10, 2015

Solar (FIT) Projects: Five Delegations

The first delegate, Wolfe Erlichman, represented the Wintergreen Renewable Energy Coop, a five year old program in South Frontenac with over 150 members. He spoke briefly in general support of the development and use of solar power.

Then Bob McKean and Christina MacDonald, residents of Railton Road, close to two of the proposed solar sites near Mervale and Stagecoach Roads, said they were opposed to such an industrial development in what they described as a residential and farming area. They pointed out that the Township would get no income from a solar project, whereas the same land, turned into residential development, could be a continuing source of income. They feared a solar project would lower existing property values and stagnate growth. They asked a number of questions about ongoing maintenance and possible adverse effects of a solar project.

The next three presentations were from representatives of projects being proposed in the Township by SunEdison, Sol Force and Compass Renewable Energy Consulting Inc. The latter speaker, Dave Fowler, represented the Limestone District School Board which hopes to install rooftop panels on Perth Road Public School, Harrowsmith Public School and Sydenham High. All three spoke in general terms of their projects and showed location maps.

Part of the project development process as outlined by the Province requires the developer to hold a public meeting to provide information and answer questions. SunEdison’s meeting will be at Harrowsmith Public School Wed June 17, from 7-9 pm. Although CAO Orr will attend, none of the members of Council are required to go. The other two developers have not scheduled their meetings yet.

New Design Criteria and Standards for Development

Planner Lindsay Mills presented a 33-page document establishing minimum technical standards and the process to help guide large developments in The Township. It addresses technical requirements for infrastructure such as roads, storm sewer systems, etc for plans of subdivision or condominiums, and lists the technical studies or reports that may be necessary to support proposed development. A one-page flowchart illustrates the general process for approval of such applications.

Councillors McDougall and Sutherland both said the public should be informed as early in the process as possible: Mills said one problem was that developers wanted to have all necessary hydrogeological etc studies completed before a public meeting, so they would be better able to answer individuals’ concerns. McDougall said that when residents see surveying being done, test wells being drilled, etc, they become anxious long before an application even comes to Council. He added that poor communication between County and Township sometimes meant residents were better informed than Council about pending development projects. He also said people needed to know approximate timelines and costs for various stages of the development process.

Councillors Schjerning and Sutherland both asked that any new initiatives or additions to existing policies should be highlighted before the document comes to Council for final approval.

Revill said that from his experience as a township building official, this document should contribute to greater openness and transparency between public and council. He acknowledged the amount of work the planning department has put into developing the document.

Sydenham Water

Treasurer Fragnito presented an information report which showed, as Mayor Vandewal pointed out, that the penalty/incentive charges recently levied against non-users have succeeded in bringing 34 more water users online.

The report refers to the new water rates put into effect this month, the first increase since the plant opened. This increase is intended to help fund the upkeep and eventual replacement of the water plant, thus meeting the Provincial requirements for townships to demonstrate the long-term sustainability of their water plants. Further details are available in the agenda notes on the Township website.

Cycling

Deputy Mayor McDougall congratulated Councillor Sutherland on the success of Saturday’s bike rodeo and tours. Sutherland in turn thanked the Public Works staff and OPP for their help in making the event go smoothly and safely.

On another note, Sutherland said there was a lot of local concern about the recent Ottawa - Kingston cycle event, which had made the Perth Road dangerous for both bikes and cars as a result of cyclists riding several abreast. He and several others have talked to the Ottawa organizers about ways of ensuring future rides are better managed.