South Frontenac Council – Aug 4/15

Jeff Green | Aug 05, 2015

Council rejects solar project over timing

South Frontenac Council has been friendly towards industrial solar projects that have come to them in search of support as part of a provincial procurement process that has a deadline of September 1 for final submissions. Not so with a proposal that just came to them this week from energy heavyweights Canadian Solar and Suncorps for a massive solar project on Perth Road and Davidson Road south of Inverary in Storrington District.

The project, which if built would cover almost 100 acres and produce 13 megawatts of power, is located in a part of the township that has seen much residential development recently, and the potential for further development was one of the reasons for council's kick back against the project, a point that was made by Mayor Ron Vandewal immediately after Tyler Balding from Canadian Solar made his preliminary pitch about the project.

“To me this is rather rushed. You haven't spent the time here to get our support,” said Councilor Ross Sutherland.

“We are a little behind the eight ball on this one,” agreed Balding, “but we do have the resources to make this work. We believe this is a project that could be of benefit to the community, and the country, and even humanity.”

Nonetheless, a motion of support for the project did not come forward from Council.

Mayor Vandewal said, “You can still hold your meetings, and submit the project without our support, we can't stop you from doing that, and maybe in the next round if you come back to us earlier on we will look at it, but not now,” said Vandewal.

From the audience, farming advocate Jeff Peters called out, “Back to Alberta with you,” a reference to SunCorps' base in the tar sands and other petroleum-related resources.

In a related matter, Council approved a resolution of support for the Bondfield solar project located on McAdoo and McCallum roads, also in Storrington District,

Modified proposal for Hartington subdivision

Recognizing the controversy over their proposed 47-lot subdivision proposal that straddles Boyce and Petworth Roads, Hartington, Mike Keene from Fotenn consulting presented a new proposal to Council.

The application seeks to create only 13 lots in this stage of the development, all of them located within the hamlet boundaries of Hartington, land which is earmarked for residential development in the township's Official Plan.

Although the road frontage for the lots is still 46 metres, significantly less than the township minimum of 76 metres, Keene said there are 10 other subdivisions in the township where the road frontage is 46 metres or less, setting a precedent for this development.

“We realize that when we came to you last month it was with a large development and there was public opposition. This time we are keeping to the hamlet, and we seek to demonstrate that the subdivision can work well in that location. We will not give up on the other part, but we are only seeking approval for this one at this time,” said Keene.

“I don't see any new information about the water issue. The water issue is paramount as far as I'm concerned,” said Councilor Ron Sleeth. “Water is the lifeblood of society and of all living creatures.”

“I'm not exactly sure what we could say,” said Keene. “We have studies from Malroz Engineering, peer reviewed, and comments from the conservation authority. We'd be pleased to provide more information if we knew what was required,” said Keene.

Keene added that this proposal keeps to the promise of doing a separate hydro geological study for each lot as the project gets going to satisfy concerns over water supply, a measure that is beyond what is required.

“If we went for the 13 lots would that not set a precedent for the rest of the proposal,” said Councilor John McDougall.

“We are only voting on this proposal,” said Mayor Vandewal. “If they come back as they said they plan to do, they start all over again.”

Council is now set to decide on the proposed subdivision at their next regular meeting on September 1.

Peer review of Johnson's Point subdivision Environmental Impact Study

Mike Keene was back before Council later in the meeting, this time to respond to a peer review to an environmental impact study commissioned by another of his clients, who are proposing a subdivision on Johnson's Point, on Long Bay at Loughborough Lake.

The peer review, by Mcintosh Perry, challenged assertions in the assessment done for the project by Ecological Services.

“It is the opinion of McIntosh Perry that the Environmental Impact Assessment report does not sufficiently demonstrate there will be no negative impacts on the natural features or their ecological functions on the subject property as per the requirements of the Provincial Policy Statement,” concluded Jeffrey King, the biologist who conducted the review for McIntosh Perry.

Specific species at risk that are of concern to McIntosh Perry on lands within or adjacent to the proposed subdivision include Blandings Turtles, which were seen on site by King, as well as snapping turtles and grey ratsnakes. Habitat for other species may also be affected, including the Eastern Whip-poor-will, Cerulean Warbler, and Least Bittern.

“It is strongly recommended that the MNR (Ministry of Natural Resources) be consulted prior to any further site alteration to: ensure proposed development does not contravene the Endangered Species Act and its associated regulations; and obtain any necessary approvals or permits required to undertake activities that have the potential for adverse impacts to species at risk and their habitat,” said King.

In his submission, Keen urged Council to wait for the response that he will send to Council in the near future, which, he said, will “address every point that is made in the McIntosh Perry review to the satisfaction of the Cataraqui Conservation Authority and the township ... I am confident that when you see our response you will be in a position to approve the draft development.”

Council did not wait to hear back. They approved a motion by Ross Sutherland to refer the matter immediately to the Ontario MNR. The ministry will be asked to comment on the impact on the provincially significant wetland in the vicinity, as well as the viability of up to a dozen species at risk that may have habitat in the vicinity of Johnson's Point.

Winter maintenance extended to a number of partially maintained roads

Public Works Manager Mark Segsworth said his staff have prepared a comprehensive list of partially maintained public roads in the township and will present a criteria later on for extending winter snow removal to those roads that satisfy specific criteria in terms of condition and use.

In the interim, he said the township could approve extending winter maintenance immediately to those partially maintained roads that include or lead to properties that are now occupied by full time residents.

The cost of the increased maintenance will be $80,000 per year.

Council approved Segworth's proposal, and those who are affected will be contacted by the township so they know not to enter into private maintenance contracts for the coming winter.

Tenders approved

A tender for the reconstruction of the Village of Bellrock was awarded to the lowest bidder, Crains' Construction, at a cost of $1.289 million. The tender for the Massassauga Road culvert was awarded to Arnott Brothers Construction, at a cost of just over $241,000.

Council will meet in special session next Tuesday to talk about the draft Official Plan.