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HomeMy WebLinkAboutPSD-041-12 Clar*wn REPORT PLANNING SERVICES DEPARTMENT Meeting: GENERAL PURPOSE AND ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE Date: September 10, 2012 Resolution#: By-law#: Report#: PSD-041-12 File#: PLN 29.10, GEA2012-001, GEA2012-002 AND GEA2012-003 Subject: APPLICATIONS UNDER THE FIT AND MICRO-FIT PROGRAM OF THE GREEN ENERGY ACT 2009 RECOMMENDATIONS: It is respectfully recommended that the General Purpose and Administration Committee recommend to Council the following: 1. THAT Report PSD-041-12 be received; 2. THAT provided the application fee is received as adopted in PSD-040-12 that Council endorse the resolution contained in Attachment 4 supporting the FIT application by Hybridyne Power Development Corporation on behalf of the Newcastle Golf Course, 2429 Golf Course Road; 3. THAT provided the application fee is received as adopted in PSD-040-12 that Council endorse the resolution contained in Attachment 5 supporting the FIT application by Solart Group on behalf of the Chris Cooper, 5659 Gilmore Road; 4. THAT the application submitted by Hay Solar Holdings for 8969 Liberty Street not be supported; and 5. THAT all interested parties listed in Report PSD-041-12 be advised of Council's decision. Submitted by: Reviewed by: ,,C' 1J DaviZrJ. Crome, MCIP, RPP 4 klin Wu, Director of Planning Services Chief Administrative Officer CP/df 5 September 2012 CORPORATION OF THE MUNICIPALITY OF CLARINGTON 40 TEMPERANCE STREET, BOWMANVILLE, ONTARIO L1C 3A6 T 905-623-3379 REPORT NO.: PSD-041-12 PAGE 2 1. BACKGROUND 1.1 The Green Energy Act of 2009 was created to support and encourage the expansion of renewable energy sources, support energy conservation and facilitate the expansion of the green energy job market. The FIT (feed-in tariff) and microFIT programs were created under this legislation, and are meant to support small and large scale clean energy generation projects which will feed such energy back into the Ontario electrical grid, with the electricity generated paid for by the Ontario Power Authority (OPA). Through these programs, OPA enters into contracts with property owners and businesses to purchase the energy produced. 1.2 The FIT program was revised earlier this year with the new rules coming in to force August 10. As noted in Report PSD-040-12, FIT applications require a review by Council including a Council resolution where Council is in support of an application. Three applications under the revised FIT program have been received seeking a Council resolution in support of the respective proposals. 2. APPLICATIONS 2.1 Hybridyne Power Development Corporation (GEA2012-001) 2.1.1 Proposal Hybridyne has submitted a FIT application in partnership with Newcastle Golf Course for the construction of 8500 sq/ft building with a mono-sloped roof to be used as a new clubhouse by the golf course and construction of a second 100 Kw roof-mounted array on the roof of the new building. 2.1.2 Comments The new clubhouse building is to be located near the tee-off area to hole number 1 in a clearing that previously contained two maintenance buildings the applicant has advised were recently demolished. The new building will have a sloped roof able to accommodate solar panels. The basic structure of the new building will be constructed by Hybridyne and the Golf Course would be responsible for all exterior and interior upgrades to meet their needs for a club house. The following chart reviews the project against the checklist identified in Report PSD-040-12 which provided the background on changes to the FIT and microFIT programs. REPORT NO.: PSD-041-12 PAGE 3 Topic Description Strategic Plan The proposed project complies with the strategic plan's objective Conformity of"promoting green initiatives" and promoting economic development. Community Although there is no specific Community Benefit identified as part Benefit of the application, both the revenue from generating solar energy and the construction of a new clubhouse will assist the golf course to remain viaible and continue to host the many tournaments throughout the golf season. Financial Burden None identified. on Clarington Community Given the location and size of this project community Consultation consultation is not warranted. Property Use Risk Phase I of the FIT project is proposed on an existing buildings, Mitigation while phase II would provide for the construction of a new clubhouse building specifically designed with a sloped roof and solar panel system. Site Plan application is required for the new clubhouse building. OP Policies The application is consistent with the official plan policies. Zoning The application is consistent with the Zoning By-Law regulations. Regulations 2.1.3 Conclusion Staff recommend support for this application subject to payment of the application fee as contained in Report PSD-040-12. 2.2 Hay Solar Holdings ULC (GEA2012-002) 2.2.1 Proposal Hay Solar has requested Council support for a FIT application to construct and operate a rooftop solar installation on a farm building to be constructed if Ontario Power Authority awards a FIT contract. The property is at 8969 Liberty Street North which is located in the north half of Concession 8, Part Lot 5 in the former Township of Darlington and is owned by Domenico and Teresa Perri. 2.2.2 Comments The property is currently vacant of any structures and is not being farmed. In discussion with Clarington Planning Staff, the Hay Solar representative suggested the proposed farm building containing rooftop solar mounted panels could be used for a horse barn or implement building. The property is on the Oak Ridges Moraine and is predominantly zoned Environmental Protection or Natural REPORT NO.: PSD-041-12 PAGE 4 Linkage subject to the Minimum Area of Influence (MAGI) provisions. The MAGI depicts a 90 metre area of influence from a natural heritage feature and/or hydrologically sensitive feature and its associated minimum vegetation protection zone area. A small, approximately 2 - 3 acre, portion of the property near the southern limits is zoned Natural Linkage without the MAGI overlay. The following chart reviews the project against the checklist identified in Report PSD-040-12 which provided the background on changes to the FIT and microFIT programs. Topic Description Strategic Plan The proposed project complies with the strategic plan's objective Conformity of"promoting green initiatives". However, the proposed building is in a land use zone that discourages development because of potential environmental impacts. Community No Community Benefit was identified as part of the application. Benefit Financial Burden Potential burden — use of building not clear. on Clarington Community Given the location and size of this project community Consultation consultation is not warranted. Property Use Risk The property is currently vacant and is not being farmed. Much of Mitigation the property is wooded. A definitive end use for the building was not provided with the application. A farm building may be approved on the property subject to application for site plan approval supported by an assessment illustrating there is no negative impacts on the natural features. However, there has been no consultation with municipal staff and none of these steps have been taken. OP Policies The official plan policies allow a barn subject to appropriate supporting documentation. Zoning Part of the property is zoned Environmental Protection and the Regulations remainder is the Natural Linkage Zone, The Natural Linkage Zone is subject to Minimum Area of Influence may allow a barn subject to appropriate supporting documentation and site plan approval. 2.2.3 Conclusion Given the Environmental Protection zone and MAGI impacting the majority of the lands and that no clear use for the building has been identified, staff do not recommend support for this application. REPORT NO.: PSD-041-12 PAGE 5 2.3 Solart Group (GEA2012-003) 2.3.1 Proposal Solart is requesting Council support for rooftop solar project on existing agricultural buildings located at 5659 Gilmore Road. The rooftop solar panels would cover the west facing portion of the roof of one building and a portion of the west facing section of the roof of a second building. 2.3.2 Comments The property owned by Chris Cooper is located on the east side of Gilmore Road south of Concession Road 6. The property is predominantly being farmed, with the exception of a portion bisected by a water course. The property has existing agricultural buildings proposed to be used for the roof mounted solar panels. The following chart reviews the project against the checklist identified in report PSD-040-12 which provided the background on changes to the FIT and microFIT programs. Topic Description Strategic Plan The propose project complies with the strategic plan's Conformity objective of"Promoting green initiatives. Community No Community Benefit was identified as part of the Benefit application. The application suggests that the income from the rooftop solar units will assist in ensuring the existing agricultural business remains viable. Financial None identified. Burden on Clarington Community Given the location and size of this project community Consultation consultation is not warranted. Property Use The property is currently being farmed. And the solar panels Risk Mitigation are to be erected on existing agricultural buildings. OP Policies The application is consistent with the official plan policies. Zoning The application is consistent with the zoning by-law Regulations regulations. 2.3.3 Conclusion Staff recommend support for this application, subject to payment of the application fee as contained in PSD-040-12. REPORT NO.: PSD-041-12 PAGE 6 3. CONCURRENCE — Not Applicable 4. CONCLUSION 4.1 Staff recommend that Resolutions for Hybridyne Power Development Corp (Attachment 4) and Solart Group (Attachment 5) be endorsed by Council. CONFORMITY WITH STRATEGIC PLAN The recommendations contained in this report conform to the general intent of the following priorities of the Strategic Plan: X Promoting economic development Maintaining financial stability Connecting Clarington X Promoting green initiatives Investing in infrastructure Showcasing our community Not in conformity with Strategic Plan Staff Contact: Carlo Pellarin, Manager, Development Review Branch Attachments: Attachment 1 - Key Map - 2429 Golf Course Road - Newcastle Golf Course Attachment 2 - Key Map - 8969 Liberty Street North Attachment 3 - Key Map - 5659 Gilmour Road Attachment 4 - Resolution for HybridynePower Generation Site B Inc Attachment 5 - Solart Group List of interested parties to be notified of Council's decision: Hybridyne Power Development Corporation Newcastle Golf Course Chris Cooper Solart Group Hay Solar Holdings ULC c/o Michael Young Attachment 1 To Report PSD-041-12 � Q a U 0 O Y aVOa sN Nllly N a aVOH Q v N r E c O 3 cU N�O CL avow ao CL 0� O wVHVdo NMOdO d >d C O = aV O N L avo asnoloo = swv 3 m J Q C w ° (L� a V Cd aV0 N L. a i� = Z O L aVO = lk r 71 4. IT Ire r.4 W •fi t _ t J_i J"1`h�- •A �9s� y ♦i- iti �.[ � ;F e i .Nt is s`- � F � � ♦ I f `t'$��y�,�°ER ,.t' ys���4'ax"4�Rte"d, � � � • � a r y. ' a �U ♦. ilk O } ` psi e�' � e° .c ...�'• p �,. ; +rA ` ��-'♦ �,.� 2., �}±r�� 1 � .x,, k¢ri•r�,,• �� '�ash. +..�;� Attachment 2 To Report PSD-041-12 c c ad 8nw J ` N a Z a� M CL ° = L m �a t/02: ab02a3Jid 11ntSJN T d H Cl)3 m ° o cv = 3 a Q M 0 0 m J N W N ( J ' p oN 1S.112:3911 M p w cD M _ ao o a CL z o_ w .,a a t F• .10, Wv LQTV ` �, *� ! ..�1 fit• -'� G� a''' •�'�a l{..� i.�.:,., � t� � ` �F r�N}xM p""�M�i'� 't o ky ^} a O .. ♦ r .. • '��'�''� 'yam . Attachment 3 To Report PSD-041-12 ZNK_ as (D o 9U) o U V U M � ca CL 0 OVON 3NIINMOi 1SV3 7 C CV p L M C N 3 U v 83dOS OVON SHOW ID M C u� Q Q o W U) w m Of a CO CL Z ovoa HOTHS ° N a. W W L W s U z U z O O U U r d y ale.:. '.;yr. •�.'`_; R. O i 5 v Ilk oil �.�!' - T r ; , Attachment 4 to Report PSD-041-12 WHEREAS HybridynePower Generation Site B Inc. (the applicant) proposes to construct and operate a rooftop solar array (the "Project") on existing buildings associated with the golf course and the conference centre building for the Newcastle Golf Course to be constructed to accommodate solar panels on the lands at 2429 Golf Course Road (the "Lands") in the Municipality of Clarington under the Province's FIT Program; AND WHEREAS the Applicant has requested that Council of the Municipality of Clarington indicate by resolution Council's support for the construction and operation of the Project on the Property; AND WHEREAS, pursuant to the rules governing the FIT Program (the "FIT Rules"), Applications whose Projects receive the formal support of Local Municipalities will be awarded Priority Points, which may result in the Applicant being offered a FIT Contract prior to other persons applying for FIT Contracts; NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT: Council of the Municipality of Clarington supports without reservation the construction and operation of the Project on the Lands. This resolution's sole purpose is to enable the Applicant to receive Priority Points under the FIT Program and may not be used for the purpose of any other form of municipal approval in relation to the Application or Project or any other purpose. Attachment 5 To Report PSD-041-12 WHEREAS Solart Group (the applicant) proposes to construct and operate a rooftop solar array (the "Project") on existing farm buildings on the lands at 5659 Gilmore Road (the "Lands") in the Municipality of Clarington under the Province's FIT Program; AND WHEREAS the Applicant has requested that Council of the Municipality of Clarington indicate by resolution Council's support for the construction and operation of the Project on the Property; AND WHEREAS, pursuant to the rules governing the FIT Program (the "FIT Rules"), Applications whose Projects receive the formal support of Local Municipalities will be awarded Priority Points, which may result in the Applicant being offered a FIT Contract prior to other persons applying for FIT Contracts; NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT: Council of the Municipality of Clarington supports without reservation the construction and operation of the Project on the Lands. This resolution's sole purpose is to enable the Applicant to receive Priority Points under the FIT Program and may not be used for the purpose of any other form of municipal approval in relation to the Application or Project or any other purpose. I i