Sarah Williams
For the Beaver
Greater Napanee could soon be home to the region’s first battery energy storage system (BESS). This became apparent during a deputation by Marnie Dawson of Boralex during the Sept. 26 regular council meeting.
The local BESS would be called the Lennox Battery Storage Project.
Boralex is a Canadian Company that hails from Quebec. The company is an offshoot of Cascades Pulp and Paper Mill.
Currently, their portfolio boasts over six gigawatts of clean energy from projects around the world. Their projects encompass wind and solar energy as well as BESS facilities.
While the introduction of clean energy is undeniably important in the fight against climate change, BESS facilities around the world have caused concern and drawn condemnation for their fire potential and environmental hazards.
Over the bridge, in Prince Edward County, a 250 MW BESS facility was denied support by PEC Council due to concerns about fire and subsequent toxic fumes.
Across the border, in New York State, there were three separate fires at BESS facilities in as many months, prompting Governor Kathy Hochul to issue an advisory, warning residents to stay inside lest they expose themselves to the toxic fumes.
In her presentation, Dawson provided some context for the proliferation of BESS facilities, particularly in Ontario. To address the need for more energy, the Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO) is securing up to 4,000 megawatts through first long term requests for proposals.
As part of this process, Boralex was awarded two storage projects totalling 380 megawatts. These include a 300 MW Bess near Hagersville and a BESS in the Municipality of Lakeshore.
With the Lennox Generating Station set to retire in 2029, Dawson described Greater Napanee as a “great spot” for battery storage. The proposed site of the Lennox BESS would be approximately one kilometre from neighbours.
The proposed BESS, once completed would take up 22 acres of farmland and have an access route to highway 33.
Regarding timelines, Dawson noted that, until December 2023 this BESS is largely theoretical in nature.
She also stated that, while BESS facilities do not provide stable, year-round employment, they will be requiring local contractors to help build and develop the BESS site.
“We submit our proposal in December. Up until then, this project is basically just a possibility,” she explained. “If we happen to win the project we’d be moving forward and have open houses again to keep the community informed while working with council and staff to work through permits required.”
Regarding fire safety, Dawson acknowledged this is an issue and noted there are trained specialists that will be hired to liaise with the local fire department and develop a fire safety management plan.
Councillor Dave Pennell asked fire chief Bill Hammond whether or not he had any specific concerns relating to the proposed BESS. He confirmed that the fire department has no issue with the “creation, maintenance, or operation of this BESS.”
Apart from their deputation to council, Bolarex hosted a public information session on Thursday, Sept. 28.
A staff report regarding Bolarex’ request for support for the BESS can be expected to return to council for the Oct. 10 meeting.
Also during the Sept. 26 meeting was the ongoing “backyard hen saga”.
As per direction from council in April, 2023, staff prepared a report regarding backyard hens and offered council several options should they wish to pursue this item.
The issue of keeping hens was brought before council during a deputation in March, 2023, when it was requested the Town allow hens on a greater variety of residential properties. Currently, hens are only allowed on those properties zoned for agriculture.
Of course, the issue is contentious considering the risk of avian flu. As per the report, “The Canadian Food Inspection Agency indicates that there are not currently any active outbreaks in Ontario and the risk of transmission to humans remains low. However, the virus is still spreading and enhanced biosecurity procedures are recommended for all commercial poultry operators. Recommendations have also been published for owners of small flocks and pet birds.”
Staff added that should council allow backyard hens, guidelines could be incorporated into the licensing bylaw.
The staff report notes several other jurisdictions have halted discussions about backyard hens until more is known about avian flu-or until there is a vaccine.
“Greater Napanee would not be alone in doing so if council wished to delay this question to a future date to allow for more research and observation about the impact of avian flu on backyard hen programs,” wrote staff.
Options provided by staff include:
1. Maintain status quo. There is currently no vaccine for the avian flu, and so council may wish to defer this question for another year or two to see whether the avian flu risk has decreased or improved controls are available at that time.
2. Undertake a multi-year pilot program for a future backyard poultry by-law to assess neighborhood impact, points of friction, operational burden, and other considerations.
3. Implement a supplemental by-law to regulate the keeping of animals more broadly. For example, the Dog Control By-law could be expanded to establish that it is an offence for any animal to be permitted to run at large, not just dogs. This may have cost implications to the Town’s current dog control contract.
4. Amend the Zoning By-law and/or adopt a supplemental by-law to provide greater clarity around the keeping of small numbers of livestock animals on smaller rural and acreage properties. While not meeting the colloquial understanding of a farming operation, these properties are currently technically in contravention of the Town’s Zoning By-law as it is currently written.
Councillor Angela Hicks was the first to propose support for Option #1-Maintaining the Status Quo.
Meanwhile, deputy mayor Brian Calver suggested one year might not be sufficient time to assess the threat posed by avian flu and that the protection of livestock needs to be a priority.
“There is still no cure for avian flu. We’ve already had several new backyard chickens pop up and we currently have a bylaw that states that can’t be happening. It is happening and we need to get this addressed,” said Calver. “Avian flu hasn’t gone away, and I don’t perceive it going too soon. We need to protect our livestock as well as other businesses. I’d like to see this moved for two years.”
Ultimately, council passed a motion to reconvene on the issue of backyard chickens in two years.
In other news, council passed a bylaw to appoint James Feeney as the new Deputy Fire Chief.
Hammond introduced Feeney to council, describing his considerable experience with Loyalist Township.
“James Feeney comes to us with 17 years of experience, seven of which as a deputy fire chief from Loyalist Township,” said Hammond. “He’s well versed in how to respond in all procedural aspects of the job. We welcome him to the Town of Greater Napanee and our fire service.”