By Rosalind Russell – Northeastern Manitoulin and the Islands council was joined by Assiginack Township counterparts to hear a proposal for a 110-acre solar farm on Manitoulin Island.
Compass Greenfield Development has approached both councils to discuss leasing part of the Manitoulin East Municipal Airport property, which is jointly owned by both municipal bodies.
Company Senior Director of Development, Roberto Caputo, says they are asking the airport commission, which is comprised of members of the two municipalities, permission to lease the property to allow for the installation, which would generate around 19 megawatts of power.
He noted the proposal was considered for the property since the Independent Electricity System Operator does not allow projects such as these on land deemed prime agriculture, adding the infrastructure would likely be connected to the grid through the Goat Island transmission station.
He says construction would not commence for another four or five years due to various legal requirements and public consultation required before full approval is given.
Both councils are now reviewing the proposal and will host further discussions on it before making any decision.
A copy of the proposal is available on our websites.
He says the farm would eventually provide annual revenue to the airport commission based on the power produced through the solar farm.
Caputo emphasized the design would not interfere with airport operations or future expansion of airport facilities.
To review the proposal, visit https://www.townofnemi.on.ca, click on Council Meetings, April7th.
Screenshot by Rosalind Russell
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