Atura Power has made an offer to give Halton Hills up to almost $3.5 million over 12 years in exchange for the Town’s endorsement of its power plant expansion plans.
Details of the potential financial incentive have been posted on the Town’s website in advance of Monday’s (Dec. 11) council meeting, when the local politicians will have to vote for or against providing a municipal support resolution for Atura.
The company is looking to add one turbine to the facility at Steeles Avenue and Sixth Line with up to 265 megawatts of electricity output.
While final approvals are ultimately given by the Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO), municipalities are asked to provide consent.
In return for a municipal support resolution, Atura is offering to provide Halton Hills with a Community Benefit Fund in the amount of $1,100 per megawatt, per year - an increase from the company’s original offer of $1,000 - for the duration of a 12-year IESO contract. This would amount to $165,000 per year and $1.98 million over 12 years.
A report from Town CAO Chris Mills says Atura representatives have also indicated they’re discussing the possibility of ultimately having a contract with the IESO for the full 265 megawatt capacity of the proposed new turbine.
If this happens, the Community Benefit Fund would increase to $291,500 per year and up to almost $3.5 million over 12 years that could be used for Town activities and projects.
The proposed fund has provided little solace for the residents and environmental groups that oppose the power plant expansion, with over a dozen of them signed up to speak to council on Monday, and many more having written letters to their councillors urging them to vote against the expansion plans.
The main concerns that have been raised include the potential impacts the expansion will have on local residents’ health and the environment/climate change, with those opposed to the plans contending there are cleaner and lower-cost energy sources available.
Meanwhile, Atura says that electricity generated at its station is “critical” to ensure grid reliability during peak demand periods by backing up wind and solar power.
The staff report from Mills says Atura has indicated it will not submit its proposal to the IESO if the Town of Halton Hills doesn’t provide a municipal support resolution before the Dec. 12 deadline.
Today’s council meeting will get underway at 3 p.m. Local residents can tune in to watch the livestream here.
