The Township of Zorra…

The Township of Zorra Council passed the below resolution (Resolution 26-10-24) at their October 16, 2024 meeting. The resolution relates to the renewable energy approval process and the Township of Zorra's call to change the current process.

THAT Report No: 2024-131 REA Process be received and filed;

AND WHEREAS the procurement of electrical energy is the responsibility of the Province of Ontario;

AND WHEREAS the current Independent Electricity System Operator procurement process requires a Municipal Support Resolution for all energy projects before any application will be considered;

AND WHEREAS the current procurement process does require an Agricultural Impact Assessment, but only within 18 months of receiving a contract, which would be after a Municipal Support Resolution;

AND WHEREAS the Township of Zorra does not have, nor should be expected to have, the expertise or resources necessary to make an informed decision as to whether or not to provide a Municipal Support Resolution for an energy project;

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that until the Ontario Government, Ministry of Energy and Electrification, and the Independent Electricity System Operator changes the procurement process to allow municipalities to be better informed on issues such as, but not limited to: agricultural impacts, health impacts, and environmental impacts, the Township of Zorra will not be providing Municipal Support Resolutions;

AND THAT this resolution be forwarded to Oxford County, Oxford MPP, Minister of Energy and Electrification, the Western Warden’s Caucus, and the Association of Municipalities of Ontario.