Council throws shade on two large solar farm projects

At their September regular meeting, Kawartha Lakes council voted eight to one not to proceed with two large solar farm projects.

One was in Ward One close to Uphill and one was proposed in Ward 3, not far from Sturgeon Lake. Council cited environmental and agrarian concerns, plus significant public opposition at both locations, as their primary reasons for voting against these potentially expansive projects.

The first project discussed, debated and eventually shelved was the combined Kirkfield North Solar and Kirkfield South Solar sites, which are located on the west side of Victoria Road, approximately 10 kilometres northeast of Kirkfield and five kilometres south of Uphill. The proposal from multinational Innergex Renewable Energy Inc. called for the creation of two 150-megawatt solar facilities on the Uphill-area properties, covering a combined 1850 acres, with 700 acres fenced and close to 300 acres covered with panels.

Dozens of deputants, letter writers and petition creators were out in force at council to remind their elected representatives that they believed there was little support for this project amongst the general public, and that if approved the project threatened the Carvan Alvar north of Kirkfield, a rare ecosystem and key biodiversity area and significant habitat for many at-risk species.

Councillors Pat Warren and Mark Doble spoke strongly against the Innergex project being allowed to move forward.

“This is a special ecological area,” Warren said. “It is very important that this area be preserved as it also supports economic growth and encourages tourism.”

Doble agreed and added, “The Carden Alvar (located at the proposed Uphill site) is a crucial ecosystem. I have heard from the public on this issue – hundreds in fact – and have not seen a single email supporting the approval of this project. Preservation of this site is important for area tourism. We want people to come here. New development must be sensibly located.”

Councillor Emmett Yeo, in whose ward the proposed solar farm would have been constructed, was eventually the only vote against shelving the Uphill area development.

“I am torn on this,” he said. “We have two environmental issues competing with each other. The site is already zoned for extraction. If not here, then where? I would struggle with a project like this being placed on wetlands or agricultural land. I would oppose cutting down trees for a solar farm. But on the rocks, it is a perfect place. I have had many emails for and against the project and I have listened to them all.”

The second project discussed, debated and eventually shelved by council was the Compass Greenfield Development located at 299 Sturgeon Lake Road, approximately three kilometres southeast of Fenelon Falls. The proposal was for a 13-megawatt solar farm on a 110-acre site with the ability to raise sheep and crops below the solar panels.

Councillor Mike Perry, in whose ward the Sturgeon Lake project would have been built, voted against the solar farm citing agricultural concerns and the wishes of his constituents.

“There were competing interests in the decision (council took) today,” Perry wrote in an email to Kawartha Lakes Weekly hours after he cast his vote against the solar farm development moving forward.

“Renewable energy is needed here and is best for the environment. I have solar panels on my home. Agriculture is vital to food production and is the backbone of our rural community. Much of this proposed project in Ward 3 was to be built on productive Class 1 farmland that is currently being actively farmed so I had to vote no. I also listened to local residents. I look forward to helping find suitable spots for renewable energy here in our area.”