The proposed site is located on lands owned by Ford Canada at 1500 Royal Windsor Drive in Oakville.
How did the Ontario Power Authority (OPA) decide where to build the new power plant?
The OPA announced their intention to build a natural gas fired power plant in the southwest GTA last fall. They commissioned research reports and technical studies of the area, and conducted public information sessions in early 2009. Please visit the OPA Generation Procurement website and click on "Procurement for Southwest Greater Toronto Area - October 9, 2009" to find links to studies and assessments.
Was the town consulted regarding the location for the new power plant?
The town has taken every opportunity to make its concerns about the air quality in the Oakville-Clarkson Airshed known to the OPA, and to protect the community from any potential harm, but the provincial decision-making process has limited the town's ability to influence the outcome.
What has the town done since then to protect the health of the Oakville community?
In February, the town raised concerns with the OPA regarding the speed at which decisions were being made regarding the proposed power plant, the lack of transparency in the location and proposal evaluation process, and the potential impacts on the environment and air quality a power plant could have.
On March 30, 2009, Council passed an interim control by-law and official plan amendment to ensure the necessary planning work and study could take place before any power plant over a 10 megawatt capacity could be constructed in Oakville. Ford and TransCanada appealed the by-law and official plan amendment to the Ontario Municipal Board (OMB), and on December 4, the OMB issued a decision that upheld the town's interim control by-law, but struck down the official plan amendment.
The town has also filed an application with the Ontario government under the Environmental Bill of Rights asking the government to institute a new regulation under the Environmental Protection Act (EPA) - or a new air pollution act if need be - that effectively regulates the emissions of airborne fine particulate matter (fine PM) in order to protect communities from adverse health effects. The requested regulation would establish a limit on the level of concentration of fine PM in an affected airshed, based on known health risks.
A proposed by-law to assess and control major emissions of fine PM in Oakville was released for public review and comment by Oakville Town Council at a special meeting on December 22, 2009. It will come back to Council for consideration in February 2010.
Please visit Background and Documents for the most up-to-date information on the above town resolutions and actions.
Who can I contact to voice my concerns?
The town encourages all residents to communicate directly with their local MP, MPP, the Ontario Minister of the Environment, the OPA and TransCanada.
Where can I find information on TransCanada's proposal?
Visit the TransCanada website to read the project overview and accompanying documents.
