Opposition emerges to solar project proposed rural area in Massey

A northern Ontario solar project faces uncertainty as local opposition mounts. Residents argue the 150-megawatt development threatens wetlands and farmland.

The status of the Massey Solar Project proposed for Sables-Spanish Rivers Township is in doubt after opposition from residents.

“People relocate here for the quality of life, for the natural element, for the lakes that we have, and I feel that needs to be protected,” said resident Chloe Bichette.

Bichette is part of a group called Massey Wildlife Conservation Committee.

Other groups like the Ontario Federation of Agriculture, Manitoulin North Shore Federation of Agriculture and the Massey Agricultural Society have also expressed concern over the project.

The 150-megawatt solar facility would be created by Potentia Renewables Inc., on a 600-acre property roughly 14 kilometres outside of Massey.

“It’s in a very sensitive, rural area,” Bichette said.

“There’s a lot of provincially significant wetlands there. There’s the cold spring there. It’s also farmland and part of the property actually backs on to Birch Lake, which has 15 fish spawning habitats.”

Sable-Spanish Rivers Township is an agricultural or farming community.

Potentia still needs to secure a contract with the Independent System Electricity Operator, which could happen by April 14.

In an email to CTV News, Mayor Kevin Burke said municipal council voted 6-1 to allow Potentia to apply for approval of its project, based on proper zoning and the township’s official plan.

Burke said opposition around the community to the project has led to misinformation, harassment, threats and accusations of bribery.

In a statement to CTV News, Potentia Renewables Inc. said the project would deliver economic and community benefits. The solar facility would generate emissions-free electricity to power about 23,000 homes.

Potentia acknowledges local concerns around groundwater, wildlife, farmland use and rural character

“If the project is selected, it would be required to undergo a comprehensive environmental assessment, including detailed hydrogeological and ecological studies, with mitigation measures required for identified risks,” the statement said.

The company added that the site is largely marginal land, outside designated agricultural areas.

“Research across North America has not found consistent evidence that solar projects negatively affect nearby property values,” the statement added.

Potentia said public consultation will be a key part of the next phase of the process, with opportunities for residents to review plans, ask questions and provide input before any approvals are granted.

Bichette said that’s something that should have been done first.

Should have been consulted first

“The public should have been consulted to see if they’re amenable to a project this large,” she said.

“It is the largest of its kind -- of any kind, actually -- in the township. We just thought council should have been a little bit more thoughtful in making their decision.”

Bichette wants to see the township update the official plan land use maps because, she said, they don’t reflect the reality of the township.

“According to the provincial policy statement, townships like ours should be taking an agricultural approach to designating their lands: agricultural, rural, that sort of thing,” she said.

Bichette said soils in the area designated for the solar project are protected soils under the Canada Land Inventory.

“We just think there is a gap in the land-use planning, in the official plan, and how the properties in our township are actually being used,” she said.

A large crowd is expected at Wednesday’s Sable Spanish Rivers Township council meeting, when councillors are expected to vote on whether to rescind their support for the Massey Solar Project.

Burke said security personnel will be assisted by the Ontario Provincial Police at the meeting.