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
Livestock Research Innovation Corporation welcomes new board members Thursday, May 29, 2025 Two new board directors have joined the leadership of Livestock Research Innovation Corporation (LRIC). Mohamad Yaghi with Farm Credit Canada (FCC) and Sonya Fiorini from Burnbrae Farms both fill appointed director positions on the LRIC board. Yaghi replaces Franco Naccarato from Meat and... Read this article online
Canadian Farm Income Sees Sharp Decline Thursday, May 29, 2025 In 2024, Canadian farmers experienced a significant financial setback, with realized net income dropping by $3.3 billion, or 25.9%, to $9.4 billion according to Statistics Canada. This marks the steepest percentage decrease since 2018. When cannabis is excluded, the drop stands at... Read this article online
Did you Know you can Experience IPM 2025 in the Comfort of Your RV? Thursday, May 29, 2025 The International Plowing Match and Rural Expo (IPM) is making a grand return to Niagara this fall for the first time in nearly a century. Visitors can now stay close to the excitement by booking a spot at the official IPM 2025 RV Park. Located just steps away from the main action, the... Read this article online
RaboResearch says tariffs are disrupting global pork trade Wednesday, May 28, 2025 According to a recent report from Rabobank, pork prices have rebounded and remain strong despite shifting trade flows and growing economic and consumer uncertainties. Rabobank is a Dutch multinational banking and financial services company specializing in the global food and agricultural... Read this article online
Canadian Meat Sector Seeks Fast Reforms from Newly Elected Government Tuesday, May 27, 2025 With Parliament resuming under Prime Minister Mark Carney, the Canadian Meat Council (CMC) is calling for quick government action to support Canada’s pork and beef sector. This industry contributed over $9.4 billion in exports and supported nearly 200,000 jobs in 2024. “Canada’s red... Read this article online