Ontario government allows local say in green energy projects Wednesday, May 29, 2013 by SUSAN MANN Energy planners and developers must work directly with municipalities to identify appropriate locations and site requirements for any future large renewable energy projects, according to changes being implemented by Ontario’s Energy Ministry. The ministry’s new comprehensive procurement process for renewable projects greater than 500 kilowatts will replace the existing large project stream of the Feed In Tariff (FIT) program. The ministry announced the changes today. The changes are good news, says Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO) president Russ Powers, a Hamilton city councilor. But AMO wants clarification on protection for municipalities that are unwilling hosts of large renewable energy projects. “Will they (municipalities that are unwilling hosts) have a guarantee that nothing will be imposed upon them?” Powers asks. This is a question that hasn’t yet been answered but it’s one AMO will be asking the government, he says. The process of how the consultation for willing host municipalities will work is to be sorted out this summer, he adds. Powers says AMO has had extensive talks with Energy Minister Bob Chiarelli about the Green Energy Act. That Chiarelli and Premier Kathleen Wynne listened “to our concerns” is exhibited in the comments the energy minister made today. The announcement “builds on what the premier had indicated was that she wants to approach project site (locating) differently with greater local input and a focus on willing communities,” Powers notes. Progressive Conservative agriculture critic Ernie Hardeman, the MPP for Oxford, says he’s happy to see the government finally realized there must be local say in renewable energy projects. “I’ve said it many times before, they can decide where the Tim Hortons goes in their community why shouldn’t they be able to decide where that type of activity should go.” But there’s a lot in today’s announcement that creates more questions than answers, he adds. For example, what happens to the projects currently underway? “What about all those (projects) that have been bulldozed through without municipal support and, in fact, directly in contravention of municipal support?” Hardeman asks. “Are they still going to be allowed to be built?” Other changes the government announced in its May 30 press release include: Revising the small FIT program rules for projects between 10 and 500 kW to give priority to projects partnered or led by municipalities; Working with municipalities to determine a property tax rate increase for wind turbine towers; Providing funding to help small and medium-sized municipalities develop municipal energy plans, which will focus on increased conservation and help identify the best energy infrastructure options for a community. About prices, Hardeman questions whether the government’s changes include provisions to ensure the power being approved is needed “and it’s not being put in the market when we don’t need it and it’s being done at a price that’s competitive with the power that’s available.” The province also plans to make 900 megawatts of new capacity available between now and 2018 for small FIT and micro-FIT programs. Starting this fall, the Ontario Power Authority will open a new procurement window for both programs, including 70 megawatts for small FIT and 30 megawatts for micro-FIT. Starting in 2014, the annual procurement targets will be set at 150 megawatts for small FIT and 50 megawatts for micro-FIT. BF Montreal processor now Ontario's only supplier of kosher chicken Grey municipality readies plan 'B' for animal welfare
Shell Rotella’s SuperTractors competition Thursday, September 18, 2025 Farmers put in long hours and endless dedication to feed and support their communities, and Shell Rotella is proud to spotlight these farmers with the fifth annual competition. Coinciding with —Sunday, October 12, 2025—the virtual event invites farmers across North America to share... Read this article online
Ontario Ag Minister Jones urges Farmers to Lean on Available Supports—Financial and Emotional! Thursday, September 18, 2025 Farms.com recently chatted with Ontario Agriculture Minister Trevor Jones about the drought impacting many farmers in Eastern Ontario. Read the article: Corn and Soybean Crops Fall Short in 2025 Predicts Great Ontario Yield Tour. The Ag Minister, who grew up on a small farm, met this... Read this article online
Tips to Protect Farmers from Silent Killer Gases Thursday, September 18, 2025 Farms contain hidden dangers from hazardous gases that can quickly become deadly for people and animals. These gases collect in confined spaces such as silos, manure storages, anaerobic digesters, and grain bins where ventilation is poor. Common gases include nitrogen dioxide, hydrogen... Read this article online
Festival of Guest Nations returns to Leamington Thursday, September 18, 2025 On Sunday, September 14, 2025, Seacliff Park in Leamington, Ontario, will come alive with music, food, and celebration as the Festival of Guest Nations returns to honour the migrant worker communities who play a vital role in Essex County’s agricultural economy. With more than 20 years... Read this article online
Ontario’s most problematic weed -- Canada Fleabane Cuts Corn and Soybean Yields Wednesday, September 17, 2025 At the , Dr. Peter Sikkema of the University of Guelph highlighted the persistent challenge of Canada fleabane, one of Ontario’s most problematic weeds. Once easily controlled with glyphosate, the weed has now developed resistance not only to glyphosate but also to multiple herbicide... Read this article online