Message from Councillor Heather Stauble - City of Kawartha Lakes

A message from Councillor Heather Stauble and the City of Kawartha Lakes:


The FIT Review has been completed and submitted to the Government.

I have attached the FIT Report for your information and a list of highlights below. There continue to be significant concerns with respect to a number of areas.

The City of Kawartha Lakes asked for a moratorium; independent clinical health studies; requirement for full environmental assessments; 2km setback from base of turbine to property line; no projects on the Oak Ridges Moraine; an approved, accredited Low Frequency Noise testing protocol before approvals are granted and a requirement for demonstrated support of a project by both the community and the municipality as a condition of approval. There has been some movement but there needs to be more.

On Tuesday April 3rd, I will be joining constituents from this area and people from around the province in Toronto for a protest highlighting the need for more changes as the Ontario Feed In Tariff Forum takes place in Toronto at the Metro Convention Centre. I urge you to join me and others in making this a success.

A bus has been arranged for those who do not or cannot drive. It is important. Please make the time. We have made a lot of progress – Let’s keep it up! Join me! Tuesday, April 3rdIndustrial Wind - F.I.T. Protest 11:30 am Speakers – 12:00 noonMarch - 12:30 p.m. Simcoe Park on Front Street, beside CBC building and opposite Metro Toronto Convention Centre

Please plan to attend and make your concerns known!A bus has been arranged for those who would like to avoid traffic. Bus: $20.00 Porter Rd/115 car pool parking lot Passenger assembly: 9:30 a.m.Depart: 9:45 a.m.Arrive: Front St. Toronto 11:30 a.m.

Depart: Front St. 3:00 p.m.Arrive: Porter Rd. parking lot 4:30 p.m.To book a seat contact: 705-277-1454 or contact pwr.outriding@gmail.com

Summary of Report:
Municipality cannot veto a project
Streamlined environmental approval process
Point system introduced for approvals and FIT rates
Reduced FIT rates
Some changes to the Municipal consultation process
No requirement for Environmental Assessment for projects
No approved or accredited Low Frequency Noise Testing Protocol/Method available
No independent clinical health study
No change to setbacks
No moratorium on approvals
Proposed changes to the FIT Program:
Reduced rates:13.5 cents to 11.5/kW for wind (-14.8%)
80.2 cents to 54.9/kW for rooftop solar (-31.5%)
64.2 cents to 44.5/kW for smaller ground mounted solar < 5kW (small microFIT) (-30.7%)
44.3 cents to 37.4/kW for larger ground mounted solar (FIT) (-21.7%)
Point system for approval, FIT rate and priority given to projects with more points:
Community equity ownership 15% or more (50 landowners or more involved) = 3 points
Resolution of support by Council = 2 points Project readiness = 2 points Improved FIT rate for 50% or more ownership by community
Minimum of 1 point required to be considered for approval Report recommends that:
The Ontario Power Authority (OPA) should allow for a window of time during which existing contracts can voluntarily withdraw from the FIT Program and have their security fees returned.
Transition:
It is not clear on how these recommendations and changes will apply to projects that have existing FIT contracts. Project Status in City of Kawartha Lakes: Energy Farming Ontario (EFO) has moved projects to Zero Emission People (ZEP). There has been no announcement yet of upcoming meetings.

http://www.zeroemissionpeople.com/index.php/projectswpd Canada-

There has been no announcement yet of upcoming meeting. http://canada.wpd.de/projects/in-canada/sumac-ridge.html

Heather

Heather Stauble Councillor Ward 16 City of Kawartha Lakes

Link to FIT Review

http://www.energy.gov.on.ca/en/fit-and-microfit-program/2-year-fit-review/