By Rosalind Russell – A provincial organization has come forward expressing its concerns about a proposed solar farm in Massey.
Ontario Federation of Agriculture’s
Stephanie Vanthof says the local federation submitted comments to Sables-Spanish Rivers Township last year, opposing the project due to its impact on Class 3 farmland.
She adds while the local federation opposes the project, not every OFA member/farmer will feel the same way and the federation can’t speak for individual farmers and how they choose to use their land.
Vanthof adds the OFA believes solar power on roof tops and close to areas of use is an excellent innovation, but large scale solar on farm land is a questionable and likely harmful use of farm land and should be discouraged.
This Wednesday, a motion to rescind an original one allowing Potentia Renewables to apply for approvals, will be presented to council.
Potentia got the go-ahead from council last year because it met all the requirements of the Official Plan, but there has been growing opposition since then including several presentations focusing on the impact on birds and wildlife, farm values, and land use, as well as a petition with well over 1,000 names.
Potentia is awaiting approval to take the next steps from the Ontario’s Independent Electricity System Operator, which has indicated it will make its final decisions on projects later this year.
Photo: unsplash.com
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