Written By David Gomez, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
ADELAIDE METCALFE — Council has voted to proceed with a public engagement session regarding Venfor Inc.’s proposed wind turbine project, which aims to participate in Ontario’s Long-Term Energy procurement process. The decision was made during a council meeting on June 16, following the presentation of a staff report by CAO Morgan Calvert.
While the Township has not declared itself a willing host at this stage, council’s approval means the developer may now begin formally engaging the public. “The IESO (Independent Electricity System Operator) will not review submissions to its procurement process without a municipal support resolution from a willing host community,” Calvert told council. He emphasized that the current phase is focused on information gathering. “Once Council has an idea that the assets will be cared for through a suitable development framework, it’s a good opportunity for the community to weigh into the project.”
The staff report outlined multiple requirements that must be met under the IESO’s procurement process, including Indigenous and community consultation, agricultural impact assessments, and municipal support confirmation. The Township, along with neighbouring Brooke-Alvinston, signed a Letter of Intent with Venfor Inc. in March, which requires the developer to cover legal and planning costs and provide detailed project information.
Venfor’s delegation on June 2 addressed earlier inquiries from council, but several issues remain outstanding. These include clarification on setback requirements, noise impact data, and updated agricultural assessment protocols. Despite the remaining questions, Calvert said the proposal had reached a point where “a thoughtful community engagement session can be undertaken.”
Councillors reiterated that the vote did not constitute project approval. “That’s not saying that we are a willing host,” said Councillor Betty Ann MacKinnon. “That’s saying that we are going forward to gain more information, and then we will make the decision.”
Councillor Garett Kingma highlighted the importance of prioritizing feedback from those who would be most directly impacted by the wind project. “Some people will be really affected,” he said. “How do we balance their input against a large number of voices who may not live nearby but still attend the meeting?” Mayor Sue Clarke supported the idea of focusing on local perspectives and suggested using a registration system to ensure that ratepayers have a primary voice in the engagement process.
Staff will coordinate with Venfor Inc. to organize both in-person and virtual engagement sessions. Findings from the sessions will be compiled and presented at a future council meeting, after which council will consider whether to issue a Municipal Support Resolution—a prerequisite for Venfor’s submission to the IESO later this year.
